a-words

There're some common English words that begin with a- (pronounce [ə]) and have stress on the second syllable, for example, alike [əˈlaɪk], alone [əˈləʊn].

Adjectives

1. Afraid (of)*
2. Alike
3. Alive
4. Alone
5. Ashamed (of)*
6. Asleep
7. Awake
8. Aware (of)*

* Afraid, ashamed, and aware can be followed both by a that-clause and an of-phrase.

Example: 1. They're afraid that they miss the train. 2. He's afraid of dogs. 

Note: These a-words adjectives usually follow the verb "be" or another "Linking Verbs". For example: "Is our child asleep?" "No, she's still awake." 

Furthermore, we have to remember that these adjectives can't be used before a noun. On the other hand, we have to use another adjective with the same meaning. Example: two asleep men (instead: two sleeping men).

Adverbs

1. Aboard * [Example: Sara was already aboard the ship.]
2. About * [Example: I'm about to pass the exam.]
3. Above * [Example: She doesn't understand what I mentioned above. ]
4. Across * [Example: This hole is too small for cats to run across.]
5. Along * [Example: James ran along beside the road.]
6. Around * [Example: We walk around in the building.]
7. Abroad [Example: She studied abroad for 2 years.]
8. Again [Example: Never go it again.]
9. Ago [Example: My dog died 2 months ago.]
10. Alone [Example: Sam's father lived alone for many years.]
11. Ahead [Example: There's a construction site ahead.]
12. Aloud [Example: Students are singing aloud in the class.]
13. Apart [Example: My wife and I used to live together. Now we are living apart.]
14. Aside [Example: He put a book aside.]

* These words can be used as prepositions. Example: A cat is walking slowly above the roof. For more details, see [Prepositions] below.

Prepositions

1. Against [Example: The people voted against the current president.]
2. Among * [John is among the last who will leave.]
3. Aboard [Example: They finally went aboard the ship.]
4. About [Example: We talk about our project.]
5. Above [Example: An eagle is flying above the clouds.]
6. Across [Example: A cat ran across this window.]
7. Along [Example: There're some ducks swimming along the river.] 
8. Around [Example: Three dogs are playing around the garden.]