不定冠词a (an)与数词one 同源,是"一个"的意思。a用于辅音音素前,一般读作[e],而an则用于元音音素前,一般读做[en]。
1) 表示"一个",意为one;指某人或某物,意为a certain。
A Mr. Ling is waiting for you.
2) 代表一类人或物。
A knife is a tool for cutting with.
Mr. Smith is an engineer.
3) 词组或成语。
a little / a few / a lot / a type of / a pile / a GREat many / many a / as a rule / in a hurry / in a minute / in a word / in a short while / after a while / have a cold / have a try / keep an eye on / all of a sudden