A, an, the: new or identifiable?
A/an introduces one unspecified item. The points to an item the listener can identify. The choice between a and an depends on the next spoken sound, not simply the written letter.
| English example | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| I found a key. | The key is introduced for the first time. |
| The key opens this box. | This is now the key just mentioned. |
| I need an envelope. | Envelope starts with a vowel sound, so use an. |
One worked example
- I found a key.The key is introduced for the first time.
- The key opens this box.This is now the key just mentioned.
- I need an envelope.Envelope starts with a vowel sound, so use an.
Watch out: This is not the whole article system. General statements with plural or uncountable nouns often use no article; do not add a/an automatically.
Goal, prerequisites and card origin
What you will learn: Distinguish a first mention from an identifiable item and choose a/an by sound.
What you need first: Singular countable nouns.
An original PEAZIT working card. Independent expert review and effectiveness testing have not yet taken place. · v1
British Council — grammar reference ↗Show connections
A/an introduces one unspecified item. The points to an item the listener can identify. The choice between a and an depends on the next spoken sound, not simply the written letter.