Understanding 'A/An' vs 'One' - Interactive Grammar Worksheet
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Language: English (en)
Country: Morocco
School subject: ESL
Topic: Grammar
Created by: El-Arbi Ameur
This interactive worksheet will help you master the difference between the articles 'a/an' and the number 'one' in English. Complete the exercises and check your answers instantly!
Introduction to 'A/An' and 'One'
Many English learners confuse the articles 'a' and 'an' with the number 'one'. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often have different meanings and uses in sentences. This worksheet will help you understand when to use each one correctly.
When to Use 'A/An'
The indefinite articles 'a' and 'an' are used:
- Before singular countable nouns when mentioning something for the first time
- When the exact identity of the noun is not important
- To mean "one" but without emphasizing the number
- In expressions of quantity (a few, a lot, a dozen)
When to Use 'One'
The number 'one' is used:
- When you want to emphasize the number (exactly one, not two or three)
- In contrast with other numbers
- When the quantity is important to the meaning
Quick Tip
Use 'a/an' when you're talking about any one item in a general sense. Use 'one' when you specifically mean the number 1.
Key Differences Between 'A/An' and 'One'
| Situation | 'A/An' Usage | 'One' Usage |
|---|---|---|
| General vs Specific | General reference ("I need a pen") | Specific quantity ("I need one pen, not two") |
| First Mention | Used when first mentioning something ("I saw a dog") | Not typically used for first mention unless emphasizing number |
| With Other Numbers | Not used in contrast with other numbers | Used when contrasting with other numbers ("one apple, not three") |
| Emphasis | No emphasis on quantity | Emphasizes the exact number |
1
Multiple Choice: Choose the correct option
I need _____ apple for this recipe.
Correct! We use 'an' before words that start with a vowel sound. Since 'apple' starts with an 'a' sound (vowel), we use 'an'.
She has _____ brother and two sisters.
Correct! We use 'a' before words that start with a consonant sound. 'Brother' starts with a 'b' sound (consonant).
Can I have _____ glass of water, please?
Correct! 'Glass' starts with a 'g' sound (consonant), so we use 'a'. We wouldn't use 'one' here unless we're specifically contrasting with other numbers.
2
Fill in the blanks with 'a', 'an', or 'one'
I'd like to buy _____ new car next year.
Correct answer: a
She's _____ honest person who always tells the truth.
Correct answer: an ('honest' starts with a vowel sound)
I only want _____ cookie, not two or three.
Correct answer: one (emphasizing the exact number)
It takes _____ hour to get there by train.
Correct answer: an ('hour' starts with a vowel sound)
3
Correct the mistakes in these sentences
I need one umbrella because it's raining.
Correct! We use 'an' before words starting with vowel sounds. There's no need to emphasize the number here.
She ate a egg for breakfast.
Correct! 'Egg' starts with a vowel sound, so we use 'an'. We'd only use 'one' if we were emphasizing the quantity.
He has an brother who lives in Spain.
Correct! 'Brother' starts with a consonant sound (b), so we use 'a'. We'd only use 'one' if we were contrasting with other numbers.
4
Choose the better option in each context
When ordering at a restaurant:
Correct! 'A coffee' is more natural when ordering unless you're specifically emphasizing that you want exactly one.
When the exact number is important:
Correct! Here the exact number is important, so 'one' is better.
When mentioning something for the first time:
Correct! When first mentioning something, we usually use 'a/an' unless we're emphasizing the number.
5
Complete the dialogues with 'a', 'an', or 'one'
A: How many sandwiches do you want?
B: Just _____ (I'm not very hungry).
Correct answer: one (emphasizing the exact number)
A: What did you buy at the store?
B: I bought _____ umbrella because it's rainy season.
Correct answer: an ('umbrella' starts with a vowel sound)
A: Do you have _____ hour to discuss the project?
B: Yes, I have some free time now.
Correct answer: an ('hour' starts with a vowel sound)
6
Which sounds more natural in everyday conversation?
(At a café)
Correct! 'A tea' is more natural in this context unless you're specifically emphasizing that you want exactly one.
(When counting)
Correct! When stating how many siblings you have, 'one' is more natural.
(First mention of something)
Correct! When first mentioning something, 'a/an' is more natural unless you're emphasizing the number.
7
Rewrite these sentences using 'a', 'an', or 'one'
Original: She wants single banana. (She's not specifying quantity, just wants any banana)
Rewrite: She wants _____ banana.
Rewrite: She wants _____ banana.
Correct answer: a (not emphasizing quantity)
Original: I need single pencil to fill out this form. (The teacher said we can only have one)
Rewrite: I need _____ pencil to fill out this form.
Rewrite: I need _____ pencil to fill out this form.
Correct answer: one (emphasizing that exactly one is needed)
Original: It's single honor to meet you. (formal situation)
Rewrite: It's _____ honor to meet you.
Rewrite: It's _____ honor to meet you.
Correct answer: an ('honor' starts with a vowel sound)
8
Listening Exercise (Choose what you hear)
(Audio would play: "I need _____ day to finish this project")
Correct! In this context, 'a' would be more common unless specifically emphasizing the number.
(Audio would play: "She has _____ European passport")
Correct! 'European' starts with a 'y' sound (consonant sound), so we use 'a'.
(Audio would play: "I'll be there in _____ hour")
Correct! 'Hour' starts with a vowel sound, so we use 'an'.
9
Identify and correct the common mistakes
"I have an university degree."
Correct! 'University' starts with a 'y' sound (consonant sound), so we use 'a'.
"She's a honest woman."
Correct! 'Honest' starts with a vowel sound (the 'h' is silent), so we use 'an'.
"I'll be back in a hour."
Correct! 'Hour' starts with a vowel sound, so we use 'an'. 'One hour' would also be correct but would emphasize the time more.
10
Final Challenge: Complete the paragraph
Yesterday was _____ very unusual day. I met _____ European artist who showed me _____ interesting painting. It took him _____ year to complete it. He said he uses _____ special technique that only _____ other person in the world knows about.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Correct answers:
- a ('very' starts with a consonant sound)
- a ('European' starts with a 'y' sound)
- an ('interesting' starts with a vowel sound)
- a ('year' starts with a 'y' sound - consonant)
- a ('special' starts with a consonant sound)
- one (emphasizing that exactly one other person knows)
Worksheet Results
You've completed all the exercises! Here's how you did:
Score: 0/10
Keep practicing to improve your understanding of 'a/an' and 'one'!
↑
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire