The form a is used before consonant sounds and the form an before vowel sounds. When saying abbreviations like ‘FM’ or ‘UN’, use a or an according to how the first letter is said. For example, F is a consonant, but begins with the sound /e/ and so you say:an FM radio. U is a vowel but begins with /j/ and so you say:a UN declaration.
used before countable or singular nouns referring to people or things that have not already been mentioned
a man/horse/unitan aunt/egg/hour/X-rayI can only carry two at a time.There's a visitor for you.She's a friend of my father's (= one of my father's friends).
used before uncountable nouns when these have an adjective in front of them, or phrase following them
a good knowledge of Frencha sadness that won’t go away
any; every
A lion is a dangerous animal.
used to show that somebody/something is a member of a group or profession
Their new car's a BMW.She's a Buddhist.He's a teacher.Is that a Monet (= a painting by Monet)?
used in front of two nouns that are seen as a single unit
a knife and fork
used instead of one before some numbers
A thousand people were there.
used when talking about prices, quantities and rates
They cost 50p a kilo.I can type 50 words a minute.He was driving at 50 miles an hour.
a person like somebody
She's a little Hitler.
used before somebody’s name to show that the speaker does not know the person
There's a Mrs Green to see you.
used before the names of days of the week to talk about one particular day
She died on a Tuesday.
2/ Abandon (v)
to leave somebody, especially somebody you are responsible for, with no intention of returning:abandon somebody The baby had been abandoned by its mother.People often simply abandon their pets when they go abroad.abandon somebody to something The study showed a deep fear among the elderly of being abandoned to the care of strangers.
to leave a thing or place, especially because it is impossible or dangerous to stay:
abandon something Snow forced many drivers to abandon their vehicles.He gave the order to abandon ship (= to leave the ship because it was sinking).abandon something to somebody/something They had to abandon their lands to the invading forces.
abandon something to stop doing something, especially before it is finished; to stop having somethingThey abandoned the match because of rain.She abandoned hope of any reconciliation.We had to abandon any further attempt at negotiation.
to stop supporting or helping somebody; to stop believing in something:abandon somebody The country abandoned its political leaders after the war.abandon something By 1930 he had abandoned his Marxist principles.
abandon yourself to something (literary) to feel an emotion so strongly that you can feel nothing elseHe abandoned himself to despair.
Extra examples:He abandoned the army for politics.She abandoned her teaching career in favour of sport.The car was found abandoned in a nearby town.The government does not propose to abandon the project altogether.The plans for reform were quietly abandoned.The town had been hastily abandoned.This principle has now been effectively abandoned.Traditional policies were simply abandoned.He gave the order to abandon ship.I have abandoned hope of any reconciliation.They had to abandon their lands and property to the invading forces.They were forced to abandon the game because of rain.Work on the new building was finally abandoned.
3) Abandoned (adj)
left and no longer wanted, used or neededan abandoned car/houseThe child was found abandoned but unharmed.There was an abandoned supermarket trolley in the middle of the road.
(of people or their behaviour) wild; not following accepted standards.
Extra examplesMuch of the land has now been abandoned in favour of more fertile areas to the south.Police found several guns in an abandoned car.The car was found abandoned in a nearby townThe charity’s work involves finding foster homes for abandoned children.
4) Abiliy (n)
[singular]ability to do something the fact that somebody/something is able to do somethingThe system has the ability to run more than one program at the same time.Everyone has the right to good medical care regardless of their ability to pay.A gentle form of exercise will increase your ability to relax.
[countable, uncountable] a level of skill or intelligenceAlmost everyone has some musical ability.He was a man of extraordinary abilities.students of mixed abilitiesA woman of her ability will easily find a job.I try to do my job to the best of my ability (= as well as I can).
Extra examplesFox’s abilities were soon recognized.I seem to have lost my ability to attract clients.I taught a wide range of abilities.It is much more difficult to teach a mixed-ability class.It’s important to discover the natural abilities of each child.She showed a high level of ability as a runner.She showed great ability in mathematics.The school does nothing for children of high ability.There was a high level of ability among the school leavers.We will keep you informed to the best of our ability.discovering the natural abilities of each childAre you used to teaching students of mixed abilities?I try to do the job to the best of my ability.
5) Able (adj)
able to do something (used as a modal verb) to have the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do somethingYou must be able to speak French for this job.A viral illness left her barely able to walk.I didn't feel able to disagree with him.Will you be able to come?
intelligent; good at somethingthe ablest student in the classWe aim to help the less able in society to lead an independent life.
Extra examplesHumans are uniquely able to use true language.I was just able to make out a dark figure in the distance.Once you’ve had some sleep you’ll feel better able to cope.She is not physically able to take care of herself.She seems very able.less able studentsHe was a very able man in business matters.I didn’t feel able to disagree with him.She’s the ablest student in the class.Unfortunately they weren’t able to come.
6) Unable (adj)
[not before noun] unable to do something (rather formal) not having the skill, strength, time, knowledge, etc. to do somethingHe lay there, unable to move.I tried to contact him but was unable to.She was unable to hide her excitement.Let us know if you’re unable to come.They have been unable or unwilling to resolve the conflict.
Extra examplesHe remained silent, unwilling or unable to say what was in his mind.He seemed constitutionally unable not to give his opinion on anything and everything.He seemed constitutionally unable to keep quiet.He was considered unable to cope with the pressure of the job.He went on, apparently unable to stop.She found herself unable to meet his gaze.The accident left him unable to walk.The road was deemed unable to cope with increased traffic.The staff were simply unable to cope.They are somehow unable to make the choices necessary.
7) About (adv)
a little more or less than; a little before or after
It costs about $10.They waited (for) about an hour.He arrived (at) about ten.
nearly; very close toI'm just about ready.This is about the best we can hope for.
(especially British English) in many directions; here and thereThe children were rushing about in the garden.
(especially British English) in no particular order; in various placesHer books were lying about on the floor.
(especially British English) doing nothing in particularPeople were standing about in the road.
(especially British English) able to be found in a placeThere was nobody about.There's a lot of flu about.She’s somewhere about—I saw her a few minutes ago.
(specialist or formal) facing the opposite directionHe brought the ship about.
Idioms
- almost; very nearlyI've met just about everyone.‘Did you reach your sales target?’ ‘Just about.’
- approximatelyShe should be arriving just about now.
- able to go outside again after an illness
- travelling around a placeWe've been out and about talking to people all over the country.
that’s about all, that’s about it
used to say that you have finished telling somebody about something and there is nothing to add‘Anything else?’ ‘No, that's about it for now.’
8) Above (pre)
of greater importance or of higher quality than somebody/somethingI rate her above most other players of her age.
too good or too honest to do somethingShe's not above lying when it suits her.He's above suspicion (= he is completely trusted).
(of a sound) louder or clearer than another soundI couldn't hear her above the noise of the traffic.
Idioms
most important of all; especiallyAbove all, keep in touch.
(disapproving) having too high an opinion of yourself
in addition to somethingThere are other factors over and above those we have discussed.
9) Abroad (adv)
in or to a foreign countryto be/go/travel/live abroadShe worked abroad for a year.imports of cheap food from abroadHe was famous, both at home and abroad (= in his own country and in other countries).For a holiday abroad you need a valid passport.
(formal) being talked about or felt by many peopleThere was news abroad that a change was coming.
(old use) outside; outdoors
10) Absence (n)
[uncountable, countable] the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is awayThe decision was made in my absence (= while I was not there).We did not receive any news during his long absence.absence from… absence from workrepeated absences from school
[uncountable] the fact of somebody/something not existing or not being available; a lack of somethingThe case was dismissed in the absence of any definite proof.the absence of any women on the board of directors
