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.

1. 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.

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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

 

4. 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.