English·Grammar & Punctuation·language
Choosing A or An
Use the correct form of the indefinite article — 'a' before words beginning with a consonant sound and 'an' before words beginning with a vowel sound (e.g., a rock, an open box, an hour, a unicorn)
Suggested ages 7–8
Learning journey
Your child is learning more sophisticated grammar — using irregular verbs and plurals correctly, punctuating speech, choosing the right pronouns and conjunctions, and understanding when to use different verb tenses.
Evidence of understanding
- Choose 'a' or 'an' correctly before nouns beginning with consonant or vowel sounds (e.g., 'a ball', 'an egg', 'an umbrella')
- Apply the rule to tricky words where spelling and sound differ (e.g., 'an hour' because /h/ is silent, 'a uniform' because /juː/ starts with a consonant sound)
- Correct errors in a/an usage in given sentences (e.g., change 'a orange' to 'an orange')
Assessment prompt
When Choosing A or An writes, do they automatically choose "a" before a word that starts with a consonant sound and "an" before a vowel sound — like "a cat" but "an apple" or "an hour"?
Standards alignment
Eng.App2.Y3.Word.2GB · uk-nc-2013
Use of a or an
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2