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Indefinite articles “a” and “an” Exercises in English language
Understanding the correct use of indefinite articles "a" and "an" is essential for mastering English grammar. These small but significant words help us talk about non-specific items and are used before singular, countable nouns. The choice between "a" and "an" depends on the initial sound of the word that follows them. "A" is used before words that start with a consonant sound, while "an" is used before words that start with a vowel sound. For instance, we say "a cat" and "an apple," taking into account the sounds rather than the actual letters.
In addition to the basic rules, there are exceptions and nuances that can sometimes make the usage of "a" and "an" confusing. For example, "an hour" is correct because "hour" starts with a silent "h," making the initial sound a vowel. Conversely, "a university" is correct because "university" starts with a "yoo" sound, which is a consonant sound. These exercises are designed to help you practice and reinforce your understanding of when to use "a" and "an" in various contexts, ensuring you can apply these rules confidently and accurately in your writing and speech.
Exercise 1
<p>1. She saw *a* beautiful painting at the gallery (singular noun starting with a consonant).</p>
<p>2. I need *an* umbrella because it’s raining (singular noun starting with a vowel).</p>
<p>3. He ate *an* apple for breakfast (singular noun starting with a vowel).</p>
<p>4. They adopted *a* dog from the shelter (singular noun starting with a consonant).</p>
<p>5. We visited *an* old castle in Scotland (singular noun starting with a vowel).</p>
<p>6. He wants to be *an* astronaut when he grows up (singular noun starting with a vowel).</p>
<p>7. She bought *a* new dress for the party (singular noun starting with a consonant).</p>
<p>8. I read *a* book about history last night (singular noun starting with a consonant).</p>
<p>9. He gave her *an* orange from the fruit basket (singular noun starting with a vowel).</p>
<p>10. We saw *a* deer in the forest during our hike (singular noun starting with a consonant).</p>
Exercise 2
<p>1. She has *a* cat (singular, starts with a consonant sound).</p>
<p>2. I saw *an* elephant at the zoo (singular, starts with a vowel sound).</p>
<p>3. He wants to be *an* artist when he grows up (singular, starts with a vowel sound).</p>
<p>4. Can you give me *a* hand with this? (singular, starts with a consonant sound).</p>
<p>5. They bought *a* house in the countryside (singular, starts with a consonant sound).</p>
<p>6. She gave me *an* apple from her garden (singular, starts with a vowel sound).</p>
<p>7. There is *a* new restaurant in town (singular, starts with a consonant sound).</p>
<p>8. He found *an* old coin in the backyard (singular, starts with a vowel sound).</p>
<p>9. We need to buy *a* gift for her birthday (singular, starts with a consonant sound).</p>
<p>10. He wore *an* orange shirt to the party (singular, starts with a vowel sound).</p>
Exercise 3
<p>1. She wants to buy *a* new dress (singular noun starting with a consonant).</p>
<p>2. He saw *an* elephant at the zoo (singular noun starting with a vowel).</p>
<p>3. Can you pass me *a* book from that shelf? (singular noun starting with a consonant).</p>
<p>4. They found *an* old map in the attic (singular noun starting with a vowel).</p>
<p>5. She ate *an* apple for breakfast (singular noun starting with a vowel).</p>
<p>6. He is reading *a* fascinating article (singular noun starting with a consonant).</p>
<p>7. We watched *a* movie last night (singular noun starting with a consonant).</p>
<p>8. I need *an* umbrella because it’s raining (singular noun starting with a vowel).</p>
<p>9. She has *a* cat named Whiskers (singular noun starting with a consonant).</p>
<p>10. He will buy *an* orange at the market (singular noun starting with a vowel).</p>
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