You are on page 1of 1

a1 (an before a vowel sound)

n determiner
1 used when mentioning someone or something for the first time; the indefinite
article. Øone single: a hundred. Øused when mentioning someone unfamiliar: a Mr
Smith telephoned. Øsomeone like (the name specified).
2 in, to, or for each; per: petrol prices rose by 3p a litre.

ORIGIN
Middle English: weak form of Old English an 'one'.

USAGE
On the question of using a or an before words beginning with h, see usage at
an.

You might also like