an
Translation
a, one
Examples
I saw an elephant at the zoo.
I saw an elephant at the zoo.
It takes an hour to get there.
It takes an hour to get there.
Grammar Patterns
((singular countable noun beginning with a vowel sound)) used before a noun to refer to a single thing or person I need an umbrella.
Similar Words
Synonyms: a; Antonyms: the
Etymology
From Old English 'ān' meaning 'one'.
Memory Tips
Use 'an' before words starting with a vowel sound (an apple, an hour), and 'a' before consonant sounds (a cat, a university).