indefinite article
1 of 1noun/ɪnˈdɛfənɪt ˈɑrtɪkəl/
Forms:indefinite articles
1
(grammar) a determiner that is used to introduce a noun phrase that is nonspecific, such as 'a' or 'an' in English
An indefinite article is a type of determiner used to refer to a non-specific noun, indicating that it is one of many possible items rather than a specific one. The two indefinite articles in English are "a" and "an." "A" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, as in "a dog," while "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, as in "an apple." Indefinite articles help convey that the noun is not previously known or defined in the conversation, allowing for generalization and flexibility in language. They are essential for introducing new information about nouns in communication.
- In the sentence "A cat sat on a mat," both "a" are indefinite articles.
- She used an indefinite article to refer to an unspecified item in the list.
- The book mentioned the use of "a" and "an" as indefinite articles in English grammar.
- An indefinite article is used when the noun it introduces is not specifically known to the reader or listener.
- He explained that "an" is used as an indefinite article before words starting with a vowel sound.