Pick a language and start learning!

Indefinite Articles (a, an) Grammar Exercises for English Language

AI platforms facilitate student language education in library.

Indefinite articles, "a" and "an," are essential components of English grammar that help to introduce nonspecific nouns. Understanding when to use "a" and "an" correctly can greatly improve the clarity and fluency of your writing and speech. Generally, "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, while "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. For example, you would say "a cat" but "an apple." The choice between "a" and "an" is determined by the initial sound of the word that follows, not necessarily the first letter. Mastering the use of these articles involves more than just remembering a simple rule; it requires practice and attention to detail. This section offers a variety of exercises designed to help you practice and reinforce your understanding of indefinite articles. Through these activities, you will become more comfortable identifying when to use "a" and "an" in different contexts, enhancing both your written and spoken English.

Exercise 1

1. She wants to buy *a* new book (singular noun). 2. We saw *an* elephant at the zoo (animal with a long trunk). 3. He is eating *a* sandwich for lunch (singular food item). 4. They found *an* old coin in the garden (ancient object). 5. She has *a* cat named Whiskers (common pet). 6. He needs *an* umbrella because it is raining (tool for rain protection). 7. I bought *a* laptop for my studies (electronic device). 8. She is *an* artist who paints beautiful pictures (creative profession). 9. He saw *a* movie at the cinema (singular form of entertainment). 10. We need *an* apple for the recipe (singular fruit).

Exercise 2

1. She adopted *a* cute puppy from the shelter (article for a singular noun starting with a consonant sound). 2. He ate *an* apple for breakfast (article for a singular noun starting with a vowel sound). 3. They saw *a* movie last night (article for a singular noun starting with a consonant sound). 4. She gave him *an* orange as a snack (article for a singular noun starting with a vowel sound). 5. He is reading *a* book about history (article for a singular noun starting with a consonant sound). 6. She wore *an* elegant dress to the party (article for a singular noun starting with a vowel sound). 7. He wants to become *a* doctor when he grows up (article for a singular noun starting with a consonant sound). 8. She found *an* interesting article online (article for a singular noun starting with a vowel sound). 9. They need *a* new car for their family (article for a singular noun starting with a consonant sound). 10. He bought *an* umbrella because it was raining (article for a singular noun starting with a vowel sound).

Exercise 3

1. She adopted *a* cat from the shelter (singular noun, starts with consonant sound). 2. We saw *an* elephant at the zoo (singular noun, starts with vowel sound). 3. He wants to become *a* doctor when he grows up (singular noun, starts with consonant sound). 4. I need *an* umbrella because it's raining (singular noun, starts with vowel sound). 5. They live in *a* small house near the park (singular noun, starts with consonant sound). 6. She found *an* old book in the attic (singular noun, starts with vowel sound). 7. He bought *a* new bicycle for his birthday (singular noun, starts with consonant sound). 8. She is reading *an* interesting article (singular noun, starts with vowel sound). 9. They are planning *a* trip to the mountains (singular noun, starts with consonant sound). 10. He made *an* amazing discovery in the lab (singular noun, starts with vowel sound).