The indefinite articles: a/an
Indefinite articles
"A" i "an" to rodzajniki nieokreślone używane przed rzeczownikami w liczbie pojedynczej (policzalnymi), gdy mówimy o czymś po raz pierwszy lub o czymś ogólnym. "A" stosujemy przed wyrazami zaczynającymi się od spółgłoski, a "an" przed wyrazami zaczynającymi się od samogłoski.
INDEFINITE ARTICLE: A/AN
A. Spelling
The indefinite article has two forms: "a" and "an".
We use "a" when a noun begins with a consonant sound, e.g.:
- a cat
- a motorcycle
- a surprise
- a stalker
Before a vowel sound or a silent "h", we use "an", e.g.:
- an idea
- an honour
- an owl
- an ambulance
B. Usage
We use the indefinite article in the following cases:
-
Before single countable nouns whose specific identity is unknown to the speaker, e.g.:
- I saw a really nice house the other day. (One of many houses)
- Could somebody, please, lend me a pen? (Any pen)
-
Notes: Equivalent „a/an” before plural nouns is "some", e.g.:
- We passed some hovels on our way here. (We passed a few huts on our way – we know nothing about them).
-
To refer to a representative of some type/group/category/species/profession, e.g.:
- Bob’s mother-in-law is a scientist. (Bob's mother-in-law is a scientist.)
- A huntsman is a hairy long-legged Australian spider. (The wandering spider is a hairy, long-legged spider from Australia.)
- Billy, here, is a Scotsman. (Billy is Scottish.)
-
Instead "per" to talk about speed, frequency and pricing, e.g.:
- How fast is 75 kilometres an hour? (How fast is 75 kilometers per hour?)
- The apples are ₤1.83 a kilo. (Apples cost ₤1.83 per kilogram.)
- I exercise twice a day. (I exercise twice a day.)
C. No article
We don't use "a/an":
-
With plural nouns in a general context, e.g.:
- In the room, there were healthcare workers in white coveralls. (There were health workers in white suits in the room.)
-
When we talk about all representatives of a group/category/species etc., e.g.:
- Cheetahs drink once every three or four days. (Cheetahs drink once every three or four days.)
- I’m afraid of spiders. (I'm afraid of spiders.)
- Lawyers earn more than teachers. (Lawyers earn more than teachers.)
-
With the names of meals (unless there is an adjective modifying it), e.g.:
- I had breakfast early in the morning. (I had breakfast early in the morning.) (but: I had a big breakfast today. – I ate a big breakfast today.)
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