1. Unlike the definite article, the Indefinite article is used when talking about things in general.

Let’s see an example:

• I gave her a book. (doesn’t matter what book, any book)
• I gave her the book she wanted.

2. As we will see, the indefinite article has two forms:




– “a” : when used in front of words starting with a consonant or a semi-consonant:

• I saw a dog chasing a cat.
• It’s been a year since I haven’t seen him.
• He gave her a flower as a sign of love.

– “an” when used in front of words starting with a vowel:

• An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
• I have an idea about how this might work.
• He came to the party with an elegant woman.

3. Usually it introduces new elements and can be used:




– in front of nouns followed/preceeded by adjectives:

• Miss Hellen is a  good teacher.
• The food was served on a big plateau.
• On our way here, we saw a house on fire and we called the fire brigade.

– in some structures such as:

• I went to a greengrocer to buy these apples.
• You should go to a florist and buy a big bouquet of roses.
• I fall in love with a green-eyed girl.
• A hundred years ago nobody thought technology will develop so much.
• I want one kilo of sugar and a bread.