lecture2

Indefinite Articles
In English, the two indefinite articles are a and an. Like other articles, indefinite articles are invariable. You use one or the other, depending on the first letter of the word following the article, for pronunciation reasons. Use a when the next word starts with a consonant, or before words starting in u and eu when they sound like you. Use an when the next word starts with a vowel (a,e,i,o,u) or with a mute h.
Examples
? a boy
? an apple
? a car
? a helicopter
? an elephant
? a big elephant
? an itchy sweater
? an ugly duck
? a european
? a university
? an honor
1. The indefinite article is used to refer to something for the first time or to refer to a particular member of a group or class. Some use cases and examples are given below.
Use a to refer to something for the first time.
Examples
? Would you like a drink?
? I ve finally got a good job.
? An elephant and a mouse fell in love.
2. Naming members of a group
Use a with names of jobs.
Examples
? John is a doctor.
? Mary is training to be an engineer.
? He wants to be a dancer.
3.Use a with nationalities and religions in the singular.
Examples
? John is an Englishman.
? Kate is a Catholic.
Use a with the names of days of the week when not referring to any particular day.
Examples
? I was born on a Thursday.
? Could I come over on a Saturday sometime?
Use a to refer to an example of something.
Examples
? The mouse had a tiny nose .
? The elephant had a long trunk .
? It was a very strange car .
Use a with singular nouns after the words what and such .
Examples
? What a shame !
? She s such a beautiful girl .
? What a lovely day !
Use a meaning one , referring to a single object or person, or a single unit of measure. In these sentences using "one" instead of the indefinite article is grammatically correct. It will add emphasis to the number, and contrast with other numbers.
Examples
? I d like an orange and two lemons please.
? I d like one orange and two lemons please.
? The burglar took a diamond necklace and some valuable paintings.
? I can think of a hundred reasons not to come.
? I need a kilogram of sugar.
? I need one kilogram .