What Part of Speech is “A”
The word “A” has multiple purposes in verbal and written English. It can either be used as an indefinite article, a noun, a verb, or a preposition.
- Indefinite Article
The word “a” is categorized under indefinite articles because it is used to mention a singular noun that is unspecified. In the sample sentence below:
It was taken by a man in the basement.
The word is considered as an indefinite article because it is used to refer to a singular noun (man) that was mentioned for the first time.
Definition:
a. used when referring to someone or something for the first time in a text or conversation
- Example:
- A muscular man entered the bar.
- Noun
Sometimes, the word “a” is also used as a noun that refers to the first letter of the alphabet, a musical note, or an academic grade given to a student. For example, in the sentence:
Rico got an A in Math.
The word “A” is used as a noun that refers to a grade that represents an excellent work.
Definition:
a. the first letter of the English alphabet
- Example:
- Write the letter A above the line.
b. the sixth tone of a C-major scale
- Example:
- Play the A minor chord next.
c. a grade that is given to a student for doing excellent work
- Example:
- Almost everyone got an A in English.
- Verb
This word is considered as an archaic verb when it is used to denote an action or a state of being. In the sample sentence seen below:
I might a had husbands before now.
The word “a” is used as a verb that introduces the sentence predicate “had husbands before now.”
Definition:
a. have
- Example:
- We might a had peace in a little while
- Preposition
In some cases, the word “a” is also used as a preposition which can be substituted to “in,” “to,” or “for each.” For example, in the sentence below:
My parents send money once a month.
The word “a” is considered as a preposition which can also mean “for each.”
Definition:
a. in, to, or for each
- Example:
- Our family visits twice a week.