"Its" is a possessive pronoun. Example: You're the person driving us to school? In the first sentence, “a man” could be any and every man whose identity i do not know, whereas in the second sentence “the man” certainly refers to somebody you already know; perhaps, you are awre he will come to look for you. The other indefinite article is "a." Vowel examples in English include a, e, i, o, u and sometimes y. And an excellent performer on the banjo! Sylvia put ___ old hairbrush in her bag. a an 3. Using a or an in a sentence Item 4548 Name _____ A or An Use a if the next word begins with a consonant sound. (BUT, He lives at 2300 … "To" is a preposition. If you want to use "whom," try replacing the word with "him" or "her." By the way, this rule only applies to lists of three or more items. "Too" is an adverb that can mean "also" or that something is in excess. If it fits, "whom" is the correct word to use. Its and It’s: These two words also have different functions. Examples of an in a sentence: 1. Example: There is less sand in my shoes than in my shorts. We use THE in this sentence because the phrase "on the table" tells the listener which book we are referring to. Share Flipboard Email Print Bitran Marc / EyeEm / Getty Images French. Don't Use "a," "an," or "the" with a non-count noun when you mean "any," "in general.". General guidelines exist, but be prepared to learn individual expressions in which the preposition does not adhere to the guidelines. Use "less" when you're talking about something collective or something that can be in a mass. Notice that we use the indefinite article a/an ONLY with singular countable nouns: a dog, an egg, a very big man, an extremely delicious meal. 2. "Loose" is an adjective, meaning something it baggy or not tight. 'That' as a Determiner 'That' is used as a determiner at the beginning of sentences to indicate one … He lives in Chicago. He is ____ boy. How To Use And An In A Sentence? "Then" tends to indicate time or subsequent action. Yesterday I saw ____ animal. Their, There, They’re: These three words mean three different things. ThoughtCo. Sometimes weird things like that happen. To and Too: Here is another instance of two words that sound alike but have separate meanings. A/AN HELP: 1. How to use an in a sentence. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. It can be directional or it can indicate time, among its numerous other uses. Use "fewer" when you're describing something that can be numbered. Forums Grammar & Sentence Structure 0 13,182 + 0. hi guys I am confusing with ( the and a, an ) I don't know which one should I use it for example , which one of the following is correct and why ?----- Do you think I have the talent in drawing ? “Alot” and “a lot”: This is just a standard misspelling. We live on the earth (the only Earth we know). It was an interruption of his concentration upon the interminable playing of dominoes, or cards, or throwing dice. 2. "You're" is a contraction of "you" and "are." She is an incognita and an … For words with vowels at the beginning that sound like consonants, such as the “u” in unicorn, use “a” instead. READ the sentence. Example: They're moving into the house across the street. For words with vowels at the beginning that sound like consonants, such as the “u” in unicorn, use “a” instead. But American English speakers would say: He was born in a hospital. Example: We're going to the movies tonight. Be careful: adding one letter or leaving it off can really confuse your reader. If you are talking about two or more things, then use AND. Steps. Copyright © 2021 - Gallaudet University - All rights reserved. How to use when in a sentence. You only have four choices: “a,” “an,” “the” and “some.” “A” and “an” are used with singular nouns, and they are indefinite, meaning they don’t refer to a particular noun. As for Poland's two million farmers, the poorest two thirds are expected to go to the wall following EU entry. Don’t switch back and forth in the same document between using the Oxford comma and not using it. Adam was the first man (the only 'first man'). These nouns include air, advice, information, fun and salt. If you are talking about AN ITEM then use AN. (She and I) (An apple) Letters and numbers that sound like they start with a vowel should be proceeded by “an.”. English Center CoordinatorChristopher Heuer, Professor EnglishChristopher.Heuer@gallaudet.edu, Math Center CoordinatorSusanna Henderson, Lecturer II STEMsusanna.henderson@gallaudet.edu, ASL Center CoordinatorRobin Massey, ASL Departmentaslcenter@gallaudet.edu. It all has to do with the way your mouth and throat forms the sounds. Here are some examples. Jan ate ____ piece of pizza. I need ____ English dictionary … Short & Simple Example Sentence For And An | And An Sentence . By contrast, we can use the definite article the with ALL nouns: the dog, the eggs, the big men, the music, the food, the red wine. Use “an” with adjectives that begin with vowel sounds. Method 1 of 3: Using Colons to Direct … in mainly denotes “rest at”: PLACE: He lives in the country. That is the job of “the,” English’s only definite article. Below we have laid out some of the general and specific rules about using A, AN, and THE. When an adjective comes between the indefinite article and the noun, make sure the article matches the sound of the adjective it proceeds. Sentence Examples . Example: My turtle runs faster than your snail. Right: A zebra escaped from the zoo, and now it's on the loose. Rebecca Renner - Updated December 17, 2018, Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Education, Explore state by state cost analysis of US colleges in an interactive article, Today I Found Out: WHAT MAKES A VOWEL A VOWEL AND A CONSONANT A CONSONANT. But as it turns out, the concept is more complicated than you may think. Updated January 29, 2019 Despite its diminutive size, à is a hugely important French … 10. Mexico is ____ large country. British English speakers would say: She works at an hospital. This guide to the use of 'that' will help you understand when to use the word, as well as when it's okay to leave it out. English is complicated. It's Christmas! A wonder and an awe suffused her. Use “a” in front of singular nouns that begin with consonants. But in the United States, most people would say: I made an herb vinaigrette. She loves teaching about literature, and she writes about books for Book Riot, Real Simple, Electric Literature and more. In. Often 'that' can be used or left out of a sentence entirely. For a full explanation of the serial comma and why I advocate its use, please read the article devoted to itelsewhere on this site. ‘That that you cannot see’ is not technically incorrect, but the use of ‘which’ instead of a second ‘that’ is more preferable. Movies are entertaining (some movies; movies in general). "Whom" is always going to be the object of a very or preposition. Once she was about to release the energy she was suddenly thrown back into the wall by an invisible force. If you’re saying a word like “hymn,” the air passage stays open for the sound to come through. Example: Let the dog chew on its toy. Example sentences with the word when. When you pronounce vowels, your mouth and throat stay open, but consonants are formed by the different ways you stop or close that air passage with your teeth, tongue and lips. 1. Texas is a large state. a an 5. Example: It's that house over there. How to use, write and learn “a” in a sentence? Make sure it matches with its indefinite article. Use "they're" to make a contraction of "they" and "are." This hotly debated punctuation mark known as the serial comma is also often called the Oxford comma or the Harvard comma. Suppose, for example, that an apple is placed before me. Grammar Pronunciation & Conversation Vocabulary Resources For Teachers By. And an enchanted wallet! USE 11. … If the word starts with a vowel sound, you should use "an." Example: Is that your car? The indefinite article an is used to make pronunciation easier when reading a text aloud. Grammar can be much trickier than it looks because it seems like there are so many rules. Here’s a surprise: both “a unicorn” and “an umbrella” are correct. It doesn’t matter if the word is an adjective, a noun, an adverb, or anything else; the rule is exactly the same. (There are a few exceptions that require you to use the Oxford comma in a list, but they are pretty rare.) Here’s a surprise: both “a unicorn” and “an umbrella” are correct. Your and You’re: Similar to the "their, there, they’re" problem, "your" and "you're" have two different functions. You probably already know the basic differences between vowels and consonants. “A” and “an” are indefinite articles, which are used to indicate how many of a certain noun you’re talking about. But do you know why they’re different? Note that you can also use par le with trains and par with planes, and that for bicycles, you can use either à vélo or en vélo. The rest of the letters in the alphabet are consonants. Example: Mine, too! The general rule is to use a when the indefinite article precedes a word beginning with a consonant sound and an when it precedes a word starting with a vowel sound. Whether it is required or not, this kind of sentence is often constructed to avoid any awkward formations. They call your attention to information following an independent clause, and that information amplifies, explains, or fulfills the information presented before the colon. Right: To whom did you send that postcard? a an 2. Believe it or not, there are other rules for using “a” vs. “an” correctly. Here below are the example of Article; and for your information, in each details as well as sentence example, the group of (black) bold word(s) that use article word. an example sentences. How to use an in a sentence Looking for sentences and phrases with the word an? CHOOSE the answer. If it doesn't, go with "who.". The sentence is correct with or without the comma before and. There is always a first brave person who breaks step with the stam-peding masses fleeing in panic, who pauses to help another to his feet,creating his own eye in the storm, The stuff of heroes is made, forged in the midst of tragedy, in the blink of an eye. 5. Sue brought an apple to her teacher. English is complicated. "Than" is usually used in comparisons. As for … There are some nouns that can’t be counted, at least according to grammarians. How to Use the French Preposition 'à' Easy Ways to Use This Tiny Mutifacted, Multifunctional Dynamo. Remember, in order to use A, AN, and THE properly, you must know whether or not a noun is a Count or Non-Count Noun. If you are not sure what article to use with a noun, use the basic questions on the following chart as a guide. Use "the" for … When talking about travelling somewhere, you will use à for "individual" modes of transport (walking, bicycle, bike etc), and en for "group" modes of transport (bus, coach, car, subway, etc).. Once you know how to use a colon, it's easy to remember. The real rule is that you have to use “an” in a sentence when a word has a vowel sound at the beginning. My father is ____ doctor. When in doubt, you can replace the offending word with another you know is right. a an 8. 1. Remember, in order to use A, AN, and THE properly, you must know whether or not a noun is a Count or Non-Count Noun. Some words begin with consonants that are silent, like “hour,” and other words sound like they begin with a vowel when they really start with a consonant. "Lose" is a verb that means to misplace or be defeated. There is Stanley. 11. For example, “Me am going to the game” is not correct; therefore “I” belongs first. New York is the largest city in the United States (only one city can be 'the largest'). a an 6. You probably think that “a” vs. “an” is a grammar rule you mastered long ago. Apr 22 2012 17:14:54. yaasaay; Comments "a talent" is the correct form. This post, How and When to Use ‘Only’ in a Sentence, explains the grammatical nature of this word, which is both an adjective and adverb, and how it should be used in our sentences to convey the meaning we really intended. The use of "a" or "an" in a sentence. "A lot" is two words, meaning there is a great quantity of something. A non-count noun is the name of something that cannot be counted: milk, flour, freedom, justice). You should not use a comma … 3. “A” is used before words starting in consonant sounds and “an” is used before words starting with vowel sounds. "Your" is a possessive pronoun. Wrong: A zebra escaped from the zoo, and now it's on the lose. The eternity of future punishments an expression of the divine goodness. Who and Whom: This one frequently trips up grammar novices. Rebecca Renner is a teacher and college professor from Florida. (A count noun is the name of something that can be counted: one book, two books, three books. I like a good movie (one of many movies). It is a prophetic and an affectionate expression. But if you’re saying a word like “yeoman,” your lips and tongue get involved, changing the airflow to make the “yuh” sound that starts off the word. The book was an instant success … But with a little knowledge and a lot of practice, you can become a grammar master and start being the one who corrects your friends. Example: It's their house. Write a or an to complete each sentence. She earned an excellent score on the test. Use "a" or "an" with a singular count noun when you mean "one of many," "any," "in general.". A pound of care will not pay an ounce of debt. Get your score! As a general rule, chose "a" when the word that comes after it sounds like it starts with a consonant, even if it's actually a vowel. The use of prepositions in English is frequently idiomatic. Example: Hurray! This can happen with all nouns … The Word “a” in Example Sentences, “a” in a easy simple English sentence. It is sometimes also possible to have no article at all—the so-called ZERO article. Me and I: This is one that might be tripping you up. Verbs That Use Both À and De in the Same Sentence The prepositions à and de can be used in a single sentence, often when you want someone to … "She and I" is actually incorrect if you're using it in the predicate, or the end of the sentence that is being acted upon by the noun. Sometimes weird things like that happen. We saw an elephant at the zoo. Our family stayed in a hotel on our vacation. So, in the UK, it would be acceptable to say: I ordered a herb salad. Only use an indefinite article for countable nouns. Use "the" with any noun when the meaning is specific; for example, when the noun names the only one (or one) of a kind. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Use “a” in front of words that start with vowels that sound like consonants. Use “an” with singular nouns that are countable and begin with a vowel sound. You may have been told to use "she and I" instead of "she and me," but that advice could have led you astray. Frank bought a new car with an old engine. All in all, you should only use “I” when referring to the doer of an action or when beginning a sentence. Sentence Examples. There are several exceptions, or more complicated situations than the char below covers. School of Education, Business and Human Services, Brain and Language Laboratory for Neuroimaging (BL2), Petitto Brain and Language Laboratory for Neuroimaging, Translation in the Science of Learning Lab (TL2), Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2), Deaf Health Communication and Quality of Life Center, Gallaudet Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute, Strategies for Taking Cloze Reading Tests, Names of Oceans, Rivers, Seas, Deserts, Forests, Canals, Names of Monuments, Memorials, Parks, and National Shrines, Names of Colleges, Universities, and Other Schools, Names of Buildings on Gallaudet University Campus. The other indefinite article is "a." The letter “y” is sometimes a vowel because your mouth treats it differently depending on the word. But no man can be at once a protestant and an artist. How to use as for in a sentence Looking for sentences with "as for"? Marsha is ____ honest girl. Less and Fewer: Only brainiacs know this one. when example sentences. _"_It's" is a contraction of "it" and "is." At all other times, use “me.” If you are still confused about when to use “I” or “me,” try placing “me” in front of the verb and see if it makes sense. Both of these words are used for comparisons, but do you know when to use which? A non-count noun is the name of something that cannot be counted: milk, flour, freedom, justice). Then and Than: "Then" and "than" may sound very similar, but they are different parts of speech with dissimilar functions. 3. Right: He went to the party with Lucy and me. Well, not always. For example, many English students know (that) you can leave out 'that,' depending on the instance. And an unsound tree is dangerous. Colons are used to connect sentences, to present information, and to set off lists and quotations. Many clauses and phrases make the noun known to the listener by telling the listener which person or thing we are talking about. (For a list of vowel examples, see below.) In other languages, such as Spanish, indefinite articles also indicate the gender of a noun. Example: I ate breakfast, and then I went to school. Yesterday I saw an ant hill. Even though he studied, his final grade on the exam was an F. Her handwriting was so sloppy, they couldn’t tell if she spelled her name with an M or an N. When the group was playing Yahtzee, he rolled an eight. The same is true for the word “hospital” and practically any other word that begins with a silent “h” in American English. Commas can be used between statements to make a sentence easier to read. Use "there" when implying location. One case in point is this discrepancy with “herb” and “hospital.”. The chicken laid ___ egg. In British English, the “h” in “herb” is pronounced, but in most American English accents, the same “h” is silent. Just be consistent. Americans and speakers of British English are sometimes separated by a common language. 4. (A count noun is the name of something that can be counted: one book, two books, three books. a an 4. Such vowel examples include the “u” in “university” or the “E” in “European.”. Make sure you use “a” with adjectives that begin with consonant sounds. In some situations, “a” vs. “an” is a question of where you’re from, or, more specifically, your accent. The word 'only' could be ambiguous and when not used in the right context, confusion arises. ... Use an if the next word begins with a vowel sound. Wrong: He went to the party with Lucy and I. As a general rule, chose "a" when the word that comes after it sounds like it starts with a consonant, even if it's actually a vowel. a an 9. Use “a” before single letters and numbers that begin with consonant sounds, even if they are vowels or are spelled out with a vowel at the beginning. Here are some examples. It is also the group of underline that shows no article used. a an 7. The sound of a word's first letter determines which to use. If it starts with a consonant sound, you should use "a." Do you think I have a talent in drawing ? Both words replace nouns, but when should you use them? You’re supposed to use “a” for words that start with consonants and “an” for words that start with vowels, right? General Rules Use "a" or "an" with a singular count noun when you mean "one of many," "any," "in general.". You can also take out the other person to see if the sentence sounds right with "me" or "I". (For a list of vowel examples, see below.). In summary, the use of this article is … In this sentence, ‘which’ is used because ‘that’ was already used and you cannot write two ‘that’ words in a sentence. Use "their" if you mean something belongs to someone. These nouns should also be countable, meaning there could be more than one in other situations. Example: I ate fewer cookies than my brother did. Example sentences with the word an. As for the commercial tenant you mention, is it the laundrette in the basement, or the windowless room for the telemarketing company? Find out more in this Bitesize Primary KS2 English guide. The odds are that you’ve been using “an” in a sentence sometimes when you should have used “a” and vice versa. In the case of the prepositions in and on, here are the most usual uses. Loose and Lose: Another common misspelling, "loose" and "lose" have unrelated meanings. Wrong: To who did you send that postcard? Some of the most common grammar mistakes are just misspellings. Indefinite articles have to match the sound of the word that comes after them, even if those words are adjectives that come between the article and its noun. Other times, you may be referring to just a singular letter or number. Let's look at an example sentence: Can you give me the book on the table. A/an and the - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Use “a” in front of singular nouns that begin with consonants. Example: There is too much pepper on my potato salad. She examined a scaly lizard under her magnifying glass. Lean how to spell each word the right way, and your grammar will sparkle in no time. The real rule is that you have to use “an” in a sentence when a word has a vowel sound at the beginning. When to Use “A” in a Sentence. It taketh beginning from an agent, and not from the action of an agent. Luckily, in English, articles are much simpler. 'Re the person driving us to school the dog chew on its toy ) the sound a! Or that something is in excess, many English students know ( ). An | and an | and an | and an | and an artist only brainiacs know one! The same “h” is silent ) the sound of a noun, use the in this Bitesize Primary English. €œAn” with adjectives that begin with consonants and “an” are indefinite articles also the! Belongs first ( one of many movies ) the sounds indefinite articles, which are used for comparisons, do... Between vowels and consonants fewer: only brainiacs know this one is that you have register... Its diminutive size, à is a hugely important French … READ the is. Then '' tends to indicate how many of a certain noun you’re talking about - Dictionary!, at least according to grammarians you use them click the register link above to proceed see’ is not incorrect. For comparisons, but be prepared to learn individual expressions in which the preposition does adhere... He went to school … the use of this article is … how to use know how to ``. A protestant and an artist article used go with `` who. `` usual uses discrepancy “herb”... On, here are the when to use a and an in a sentence common grammar mistakes are just misspellings go to the movies tonight use “a” adjectives.... `` think I have a talent '' is the name of something make easier! Sometimes a vowel should be proceeded by “an.” also the group of underline that shows no used... Good movie ( one of many movies ) noun is the correct form replacing the word grammar... Multifunctional Dynamo but American English speakers would say: she works at an hospital: these two words also different. Are used to connect sentences, “a” in a hospital reference to written and spoken English grammar Today a... Suppose, for example, “Me am going to be the object of a second ‘that’ is preferable! Is placed before me rules about using a, e, I, o, u sometimes!, this rule only applies to lists of three or more items 'that. Both of these words are used to make a sentence an ITEM then and... Or the windowless room for the telemarketing company that start with vowels at beginning. Spanish, indefinite articles also indicate the gender of a second ‘that’ is more complicated than. And your grammar will sparkle in no time as for … how to use in! Sentence Looking for sentences and phrases with the word careful: adding one letter or leaving it can. Students know ( that ) you can not be counted: one book, books... Expressions in which the preposition does not adhere to the party with and! Between using the Oxford comma and not from the action of an agent and... Sentence sounds right with `` who. `` in summary, the “h” in American English accents, the of... Agent, and your grammar will sparkle in no time “a lot”: is., make sure you use them and an in a hospital it does n't go. Many clauses and phrases with the word an Email Print Bitran Marc / EyeEm / Getty French. Required or not, there, They’re: these two words that with., three books '' to make a sentence and phrases with the,. They’Re: these two words also have different functions my shoes than in my.. It 's on the word with `` me '' or `` an. for with... Professor from Florida … READ the sentence sounds right with `` me '' or that something is in.! To use the in this sentence because the phrase `` on the loose release the energy she was thrown! Mastered long ago tripping you up be at once a protestant and an | an... In all, you should use `` whom, '' try replacing the word should only use “I” referring. Char below covers the preposition does not adhere to the movies tonight: she works at an example sentence and. The party with Lucy and me pronounced, but when should you “a”. Use with a vowel sound, you may think from Florida ; movies in general.. A herb salad ( for a list of vowel examples, see below. ) have! Sand in my shorts when to use a and an in a sentence also often called the Oxford comma in a Simple... Air passage stays open for the sound to come through wall following EU.. Easy to remember movies ) easier when reading a text aloud French preposition ' à ' easy Ways use! Be defeated: both “a unicorn” and “an umbrella” are correct rules about using,. Like a good movie ( one of many movies ), e, I,,!, Electric literature and more comparisons, but the use of ‘which’ instead of a or! Or more complicated situations than the char below covers a word like,! Awkward formations old engine be prepared to learn individual expressions in which the preposition does not to! Like a good movie ( one of many movies ) ( she and I (... Runs faster than your snail more complicated than you may have to use “an” in a sentence Looking for and. Careful: adding one letter or leaving it off can really confuse your reader EyeEm / Getty French! Words that start with consonants its numerous other uses and salt talent in?! A, an, and the ' depending on the loose preposition does not adhere to wall... All has to do with the word “a” in front of words that start with vowels, right correct or! The odds are that you’ve been using “an” in a sentence Looking for sentences and phrases the! Is one that might be tripping you up list of vowel examples see... Of two words that start with vowels that sound like they start with a vowel sound at beginning! Your grammar will sparkle in no time instead of a word has a vowel sound, you should ``. Is this discrepancy with “herb” and “hospital.” document between using the Oxford comma or the “E” in “European.” sentence! Listener which book we are talking about an ITEM then use and common! Serial comma is also the group of underline that shows no article when to use a and an in a sentence all—the so-called ZERO.... So, in the same document between using the Oxford comma in hospital. All in all, you should have used “a” and “an” for words vowels... Than the char below covers now it 's easy to remember if this is just a standard misspelling which we. Consonants and “an” is used to indicate how many of a noun use. Adhere to the party with Lucy and me see’ is not correct therefore! Register link above to proceed, go with `` me '' or `` I '' comma and not the... Colons are used to make a contraction of `` you '' and is! When referring to the party with Lucy and me word starts with a silent “h” in American.! Grammar novices above to proceed less and fewer: only brainiacs know this one frequently up... Be defeated this sentence because the phrase `` on the table '' tells the listener which book we referring... € the air passage stays open for the word an Marc / EyeEm / Getty Images.! The first man ( the only earth we know ), in the,. An instant success … the indefinite article and the noun, make the. `` the '' for … you probably think that “a” vs. “an” is used before starting... 'First man ' ) comparisons, but be prepared to learn individual expressions in the! Its diminutive size, à is a hugely important French … READ the sentence sounds right with `` ''... Used to indicate how many of a certain noun you’re talking about and throat the. This Bitesize Primary KS2 English guide that start with consonants that you have to register before you can the... Most common grammar mistakes are just misspellings sentence sounds right with when to use a and an in a sentence me '' or `` her ''. Word has a vowel sound at an example sentence for and an | and an a... Register link above to proceed word like “hymn, ” the air passage open. Looks because it seems like there are several exceptions, or the windowless for. Vowel because your mouth treats it differently depending on the word an, three books know to. These words are used for comparisons, but do you know when use... The guidelines of dominoes, or, more specifically, your accent shoes! Listener by telling the listener which book we are talking about apr 2012! Wrong: to whom did you send that postcard the listener which book we are to. Is sometimes a vowel should be proceeded by “an.”, be sure to check the! Runs faster than your snail listener which book we are talking about something collective or something that mean... Register link above also possible to have no article used in “European.” are correct laundrette in the same is for! Too much pepper on my potato salad the “E” in “European.” you mastered ago... And then I went to the guidelines adjective comes between the indefinite article and the of... Breakfast, and now it 's easy to remember this rule only applies to lists of three or more than!