Indefinite Article
The indefinite article is
relatively easy to learn as there are but three of them and their basic rules
are easy enough to understand.
These English articles are used before singular nouns. They specifically relate to any member of a group.
Difficulties or 'exceptions' with English Language articles... Use 'an' instead of 'a' when it comes
before a vowel sound NOT just before a word that begins with a
vowel.
'H' sounded or silent? -- plus -- where's the accent? The 'h' can cause some problems if you don't know the following. Words beginning
with 'h' can be preceded by 'an' or 'a' depending on where the accent in the word is...
Problems can sometimes arise for those who don't clearly understand the 'exceptions to the the rules.' And as the case seems to be with many rules, English articles also have what we call, 'exceptions.'
Ex: A dog is in the street.
Ex: We say; "It's an honor to meet you" NOT "It's a honor to meet you."
Why? Because the 'h' in honor is silent.
Ex: We say; "My dad belongs to a union" NOT "My dad belongs to an union."
Why? Because 'union' is pronounced (you nee un.)
Ex: I have a history lesson at 10:00am. (first syllable in history accented)
Ex: It was an historic occasion. (second syllable in historic accented)
OR... depending on whether the 'h' is silent or sounded.
Ex: An honor to meet you. (silent)
Ex: Is that a hypothetical question? (sounded)
Acronyms and abbreviations can be problematic for those who don't know the above. Depending on how the acronym is pronounced, it can be preceded by either a or an.
Ex: A CNC mill. (pronounced see en see)
Ex: An MRI. (pronounced em ar eye)
Ex: A UNC basketball game. (pronounced you en see)
Ex: A CNN news break. (pronounced see en en)
For more information regarding the indefinite article click on the
preceding link.
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