A1 Grammar Lesson 3

UNIT 3 – Grammar Rules

3A. Singular & Plural Nouns + a / an

1. Singular Nouns with a and an

We use a or an before singular countable nouns.

Structure: a / an + noun

Examples:

  • It’s a book
  • It’s a key
  • It’s an umbrella
  • It’s an ID card
⚠ Important
  • We use a / an only with singular nouns.

2. When to Use a

Use a before words that start with a consonant sound.

  • a bag
  • a phone
  • a class
  • a country

3. When to Use an

Use an before words that start with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).

  • an apple
  • an umbrella
  • an email
  • an ID card
⚠ Important
  • It’s the sound, not the letter, that matters.
  • a university (NOT an university)
  • an hour (NOT a hour)

4. Plural Nouns

Plural nouns usually mean more than one.

1. Regular Plural: add -s

Singular Plural
bookbooks
bagbags
holidayholidays

2. Add -es

Add -es after ch, sh, ss, x.

Singular Plural
classclasses
watchwatches
boxboxes

3. Nouns Ending in Consonant + y

Change y → ies

Singular Plural
countrycountries
citycities
⚠ Important
  • Add only “s” if the noun ends with vowel + y
  • boys (NOT boies)

4. Asking About Plural Nouns

Singular:

  • What is it? → It’s a book.

Plural:

  • What are they? → They’re books.

5. Using the

We use the when the thing is clear or specific.

  • Look at the board
  • Open the door
  • Close the windows

✔ The works with singular and plural nouns.

Quiz 1