Grammar

When to use A/AN not ONE

We use A and AN in some fixed expressions to mean "one".

A/An

Articles

Grammar

When to use A or AN

A man throwing a red umbrella in the air

We choose A or AN based on sound NOT spelling.

Articles

A/An

Grammar

Performative verbs: when you say a word you do the action the word describes

An apology by Robleto via Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/grobleto/2651622914

When you use a word like "promise" or "apologise", you are doing the action by just saying the word. In those cases, use the present simple and not the continuous.

Mental states and the present continuous for a recent change in thinking

A statue of a man with his head in his hand

Use the present continuous with verbs about mental states and emotions to show a new way of thinking or that we are not sure.

State verbs with the present continuous and present simple

State verbs used with the present continuous or present simple have a slightly different meaning.

Grammar

When to use A/AN not ONE

When to use A or AN

Performative verbs: when you say a word you do the action the word describes

Mental states and the present continuous for a recent change in thinking

State verbs with the present continuous and present simple

Pages

Articles

Blog

Search form

Grammar

When to use A/AN not ONE

When to use A or AN

Performative verbs: when you say a word you do the action the word describes

Mental states and the present continuous for a recent change in thinking

State verbs with the present continuous and present simple

Pages

Articles

Blog