When to use a, an, some, any - Elementary

Name: Deborah Jane Cairns (EC Cape Town)
Level: Elementary
When to use a/an/some/any

Students struggle with this on a regular basis so it is necessary for them to have a lot of practice.

 1. A is used with singular countable nouns that begin with a consonant.

2. An is used with singular countable nouns that begin with a vowel.

3. Some can be used with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns. Some is usually used in positive statements.

4. Any is usually used for plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns in questions and negative statements.

For example:

1. There is a dog in the garden.
2. There is an apple in the fridge.
3. There is some cheese in the fridge.
4. There are some plums on the tree.
5. Is there any bread in the house?
6. No, we don't have any.

Important to remember the following:

1. Remember to use there is with uncountable nouns and singular countable nouns
2. Remember to use there are with plural countable nouns.

Try this exercise for practice.
You need to change the sentences so that they are correct. Type in the whole sentences. Be careful with spelling and punctuation.

1. There is any milk in the fridge.
2. There is a bread in the fridge.
3. There is an plum in the cupboard.
4. There is some apple in the basket.
5. There aren't some grapes on the table.
6. Is there some cake in the tin?
7. There aren't some horses on the farm.
8. There is a cream in the soup.
9. There is some peach on the shelf.
10. Is there some tomato sauce in the cupboard?

Link: Choose the missing word

Today's lesson is by Deborah Jane Cairns, EC Cape Town English language school

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