Kids often confuse when to use “a” and when to use “an” before words. Follow these tips on how to teach “a” and “an” clearly.
Why You Need to Teach “A” and “An”
To most adults, the choice between “a” and “an” isn’t even conscious; it’s intuitive.
That is because adults have years of ear training and usage experience.
If we have heard “a” and “an” used correctly for decades, we unconsciously follow those ingrained patterns.
Younger children and new English speakers don’t have that advantage.
They will struggle to use “a” and “an” correctly.
This is less of an issue in speech; the words are small and rarely stand out as an error.
It becomes an issue in writing when students must choose between “a” and “an.”
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What Are “A” and “An”
“A” and “an” (along with “the”) are articles. These little words serve a function in our language.
“A” and “an” are indefinite articles. They tell the audience that you are not referring to a particular noun.
The article “the” is restrictive. It is used before specific or particular nouns.
For example, consider the following sentences.
Put on a jacket. (You can choose any jacket you find.)
Put on the jacket. (Put on a specific jacket; we both know the one!)
“A” and “an” are two halves of the same coin. They are both indefinite articles. The reason that we have both of them has to do with pronunciation.
How to Use “A” and “An” Correctly
You use “a” when the following word begins with a consonant.
Here are some examples:
- a pigeon
- a baby blanket
- a lollipop
The letters p, b, and l are all consonants, so that is why you use the article “a.”
You use “an” when the following word begins with a vowel (a, e, i, o, and u).
Here are some examples:
- an elephant
- an apple
- an amazing trip
While most adults know these basic rules, they aren’t exhaustive.
“A” and “an” help with pronunciation. That means you use “a” when the following word sounds like it begins with a consonant.
Words that begin with the letter u and make the long-u vowel sound actually start with the sound /y/.
Say these words aloud, and you can hear the /y/ sound: unicorn, universal, usual, useful, etc.
For these words, you would say:
- a unicorn
- a usual order
- a useful tool
- a universal truth
Similarly, words that begin with a silent letter h sound like they start with a vowel: honest, honor, hour, and heir.
They would be preceded by “an.”
- an heir
- an hour
- an honest mistake
- an honor
When to Teach “A” and “An”
If you have a young child who is using “a” and “an” incorrectly in conversation, don’t panic.
You can’t teach the rules of “a” and “an” if your child is a pre-reader. The rules require knowledge of letters (and the difference between vowels and consonants).
(Click here for instructions on how to teach letters and vowels.)
However, you can expose your child to ear training. Kids are amazing learners, and you will be amazed at how quickly they pick up the nuances of language.
Each day, have them repeat some simple sentences after you.
These sentences should use “a” and “an” correctly. Aim for five a day, back to back.
- I have a cat.
- You have a dog.
- Mimi has an elephant.
- George has a monkey.
- Pedro has an iguana.
How to Teach “A” and “An” with Activities
Once your student knows their letters and the difference between vowels and consonants, they are ready for these activities with “a” and “an.”
Make an Anchor Chart
Teach students the basic guidelines about when to use “a” and “an.”
(You don’t need to worry about the exceptions like honor and unicorn yet.)
Make an anchor chart that they can refer to as you present the short lesson.
- Use “a” before consonants.
- Use “an” before vowels.
Picture Sort
Use picture flashcards (like this set of 150 picture cards).
Start with a pile of ten cards.
Show a card and have the student say the word. Does it start with a vowel sound or a consonant sound?
Sort the cards into two piles.
Then, have the student repeat the word with “a” or “an” in front.
Fill in the Blank
Write a short sentence and leave a blank where the article would go.
For example, “I see _____ elephant.”
Have the student read the sentence and write the correct article in the blank.
Highlighter Fun
Print out a simple version of a familiar story (like “The Three Little Pigs”) and read it aloud to the students as they follow along.
Then, give each student a highlight.
As you reread it, highlight every occurrence of “a” and “an.”
Chime-in Storytelling
Print out the same familiar story, but leave a blank before the articles.
Read it out loud to the students as they follow along.
When you get to a blank, have them supply the correct article.
“A” and “An” Matching Game
Play a version of memory where you have picture or word cards, “a” cards, and “an” cards.
Ensure a matched pair for each word/picture card and article.
Turn the cards over. Then take turns turning over two cards at a time in order to find a matched pair of article + picture.
“A” Versus “An” Collage
Cut up pictures of items from magazines or print pictures from the internet.
Divide a large piece of paper into two columns. Label them “a” and “an.”
On the “a” side, have students paste pictures of items that start with consonants.
On the “an” side, they should paste the pictures that begin with vowel sounds.
Teaching “A” and “An” with Activities
If you want to know how to teach “a” and “an,” the two keys are this:
- Teach the general rule clearly and provide a visual reference.
- Reinforce and apply that knowledge with fun activities.
Soon your students will master the use of these tiny but important articles!
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