General rules for using a and an

General Rules of using A and AN

Do you have confusion with the usage of A and AN? Well if yes, then I am gonna make it clear to you. I am gonna share with you not only the general rules but also the exceptions in a very simple manner.

*A and AN are called Indefinite articles because they (a, an) do not define any particular thing or person.*  So to say, a and an point out something or someone in general.

( In opposite of a, an,  the article “the” points out something in specific; that’s why ‘the’ is called the definite article.)

The articles are used before a common noun which has a singular number. 

That’s why you shouldn’t say “ This is man.”, you should say “This is a man.”

Rules of A-

The common rule of using this article ‘A’ is before a word that starts with a consonant.

Ex- A girl, A dog, A building, A chair.

Rules of AN – 

Usually, the article AN is used before a word that starts with a word that starts with a vowel.

Ex- an umbrella, an airplane, an eye, etc.

Like Most of the rules in English grammar have exceptions these rules also have. 

The exception comes with the sound.

In the case of A, when a word starts with a vowel but sounds like a consonant, it will take a instead of an.

Ex- He reads at a University. She is a European. I have bought a useful thing.

The same thing happens with AN; a word that starts with a consonant but sounds like a vowel, it will take an in place of a.

Ex-  Suresh is an honest person. She is informed an hour before you return. An SDO, an heir, an M.A.

*Some other usage of A, An

A sometimes means like someone.

Ex- He looks like a Rabindranath.

A and An are sometimes used in a phrase.

Ex- She is in a high temper after this conversation. I think you should take an interest in this subject. The boys are in a hurry.

Sometimes to define a particular in general a is used.

Ex- A Mr. Roy was on this flight.

Hey, if you have anything to say, feel free to write in the comment section. Have a good time.