Learn English – Is it correct to use “an appointment or appointment

grammar

I could not understand, which is correct: "an appointment" or just "appointment"?

To my understanding, appointment is uncountable noun, and still I found an appointment… an audit etc is used.

Please help me understand the rule.

Best Answer

Appointment has multiple definitions which vary in their countability.

From wordreference.com :

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2019

ap•point•ment /əˈpɔɪntmənt/
n.
an agreement for a meeting arranged in advance:
[countable] We made an appointment to meet again.
[uncountable] You can visit the museum by appointment.

Government the act of appointing or choosing, as to an office or position:
[uncountable] the appointment of the chairman.

Government an office to which a person is appointed:
[countable] an appointment as ambassador.

Usually, appointments. [plural] equipment, furnishings, or furniture:
[countable] the handsome appointments of the castle.

You may say "an appointment" when "appointment" is countable, otherwise not.

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