a
Used before one thing when it is not known or not important which one.
Used before singular, countable nouns to refer to a non-specific person or thing.
The first letter in the English alphabet.
The first letter in the English alphabet, represented as 'A' or 'a'.
The best grade you can get in school or university work.
The highest grade given in academic grading systems, typically representing excellent performance.
- Base: a
- Plural: as
a bit of
1Small amount of uncountable thing
A small amount of something you cannot count.
- I need a bit of sugar for my tea.
- There’s still a bit of hope left.
a couple of
1Two or small number of things
Two or a small number of things.
- We stayed there for a couple of days.
- We stayed there for a couple of nights.
- I have a couple of questions for you.
- Can you give me a couple of minutes?
a few
1Small number of items or people
A small number of things or people.
- I have a few friends in this city.
- Can you give me a few minutes?
a few
2A small number of something
Some, but not many, people or things.
- I have a few ideas for the party.
- We met a few old friends at the café.
a lot of
1Large amount or number of something
Many or much of something.
- There are a lot of people here today.
- We have a lot of work to do today.
- She has a lot of homework to do.
- She drinks a lot of tea every morning.