Originally Posted by
2001TEGGSR
Gip -- I must settle this, it bothers me. Read below.
1. Indefinite Articles: a and an
A and an signal that the noun modified is indefinite, referring to any member of a group. These indefinite articles are used with singular nouns when the noun is general; the corresponding indefinite quantity word some is used for plural general nouns. The rule is:- a + singular noun beginning with a consonant: a boy
- an + singular noun beginning with a vowel: an elephant
- a + singular noun beginning with a consonant sound: a user (sounds like '***-zer,' i.e. begins with a consonant 'y' sound, so 'a' is used)
- some + plural noun: some girls
If the noun is modified by an adjective, the choice between a and an depends on the initial sound of the adjective that immedately follows the article:
- a broken egg
- an unusual problem
- a European country (sounds like 'yer-o-pi-an,' i.e. begins with consonant 'y' sound)
Note also that in English, the indefinite articles are used to indicate membership in a profession, nation, or religion.- I am a teacher.
- Brian is an Irishman.
- Seiko is a practicing Buddhist.
I copied that to my desktop, for replying to workplace E-Mail... sweet
