I’m Emma, and today we’ll look at when to use “a” or “an” before a singular countable noun.

This means a noun for one person or thing that can be counted.

A singular countable noun still needs something before it, such as “the,” “my,” or “this.”

This means a noun for one person or thing that can be counted.

Use “a” or “an” when you mean one item, but not a particular one.

Here, “particular” means a specific item, rather than any item.

We also use “a” or “an” the first time we mention something.

Here, “mention” means to talk about something briefly.

We also use “a” or “an” to say someone or something belongs to a group.

This means that the person or thing is a member of a group.

Choose the article by the first sound of the next word, not its first letter.

Here, an “article” is a small grammar word such as “a,” “an,” or “the.”

Use “a” before a consonant sound, as in “a university.”

A consonant sound is a speech sound that is not a vowel sound.

Use “an” before a vowel sound, as in “an hour.”

A vowel sound is a speech sound like the sound at the start of “hour.”