Singular Noun

Nouns can be singular or plural. When you are talking about one person, animal, place, or thing, use a singular noun. (When a noun indicates one and only)

What are singular nouns?

  ü  Use a or an before singular nouns.

  ü  Use an before words beginning with vowels (a, e, i, o, u).

Example: -   an axe, an igloo, an egg, an orange, an envelope, an umbrella, an ice cream, an uncle

Exception-1

Use a (not an) before these words that begin with ‘u’  :  a uniform, a university

  

  ü  Use a before words beginning with the other letters of the alphabet, called consonants.  Example:  a basket, a rainbow, a bowl, a monster, a car, a pillow, a hill, a watch, a house a zoo

Exception-2

Use an (not a) before these words that begin with ‘h’ :  an heir, an hour, an honor

Examples

• The boy had a book in his hand.
• The dog died in to the accident.
• That cat never seems to tire of jumping in and out of the box.
• He took just an hour for answer the questions.
• Kumar drove a car without any licenses.
• You stole my idea and didn’t give me any credit.
• Ravi is going to be upset about that broken lamp.
• It’s not difficult to grow a tree as long as you give it plenty of water.
• I can’t believe you let your dog stick his head out the window while you drive.
• They won the match by the remaining of an over and two wickets.

Exercise-xi

Underline the singular nouns in the following sentences. First one is done for you.

      1.    I bought a pen and three books in the shop. => 1. I bought a pen and three books in the shop.

      2.    She doesn’t drink more than two coffees in a day.

      3.    They played well but they lost the game.

      4.    I can’t forget you because you are my best friend.

      5.    He wrote a poem.

      6.    Dr.Abdul Kalam was a scientist and also a president.

      7.    It is difficult to build a house without any plans.

      8.    The examiners should answer the all questions with in an hour.

      9.    Our country currency is called rupees.

      10.  Author C.Clark was a one and only scientist lived in Srilanka.

      11.  Newton introduced gravity laws in the period of after Christ.

Answer-xi

      2.    She doesn’t drink more than two coffees in a day.

      3.    They played well but they lost the game.

      4.    I can’t forget you because you are my best friend.

      5.    He wrote a poem.

      6.    Dr.Abdul Kalam was a scientist and also a president.

      7.    It is difficult to build a house without any plans.

      8.    The examiners should answer the all questions with in an hour.

      9.    Our country currency is called rupees.

      10.  Author C.Clark was a one and only scientist lived in Srilanka.

      11.  Newton introduced gravity laws in the period of after Christ.