an
/æn/ ES
/ən/ MX
Translation
Used before a noun that starts with a vowel sound to mean one of something.
Examples
ate apple.
We say "an" because "apple" starts with a vowel sound.
is artist.
"An" means one, used before the vowel sound in "artist".
took hour.
"Hour" sounds like it starts with a vowel, so we use "an".
Used in
Grammar articles
(15)Articles in English: a, an, the and the zero article
Future tense in English: will, going to and more explained
Gerund and infinitive: which verb form comes next?
English grammar test: 30 questions with answers (A2-B2)
Irregular verbs in English: the full list by pattern
Modal verbs in English: rules, examples and how to use them
Passive voice in English: rules, examples and when to use it
Past simple tense: rules, examples and when to use it
Phrasal verbs in English: rules, examples and how to use them
Prepositions in English: place, time and movement explained
Present continuous tense: form, spelling and uses
Present perfect tense: rules, examples and when to use it
Present simple tense: rules, examples and when to use it
Reported speech in English: backshift, questions and commands
English tenses explained: all 12 with a master table
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