2. Indefinite Article

The indefinite articles are a and an. We use them to show an unspecified noun, and not a special one, or when we are speaking in general. A is used: before a word which begins with a consonant. Example: There is a woman waiting for you. before a singular, countable noun. Example: A banana was all I had for lunch. when we mention something for the first time. Example: I saw a dog. before a word with a long sound of u Example: a university, a uniform, a useful book, a European, a unique opportunity. Example: It would be a unique opportunity to travel in space. before the word one because one is pronounced wun, as if it began with W. Example: a one-way street, a one-eyed man, a one-year course, a one-day holiday, etc. Example: I have a one-way ticket to travel from one place to another as I don't intend to visit a place twice. An is used: before a noun which begins with a vowel. Example: They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. before a word which begins with a vowel sound or a silent h. Example: an hour, an honest man, an heir, an honour, an honourable man, etc. Example: An hour passed and she still hadn't arrived.