Use

We use the indefinite article when we do not specify which person or thing we are talking about.

Example:

I want a cat.

Explanation:

We use the indefinite article because we are not specifying which cat. I want a cat, but it is not important which cat.

How to build

There are two indefinite articles: a and an. We use an before nouns that start with vowels (a, e, i, o, or u):

• an apple

• an employee

We use a before consonants (all other letters):

• a girl

• a cat

More Examples

• There is a pencil on the table.

• I have an idea!

• Do you want a fruit?

Note: To talk about specific people or things, we use the definite article.