Ceiling Function Proof from First Principles?

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My question is whether it is possible to prove that a ceiling function exists ie.

If $a\in\mathbb R$, then there exists $n\in\mathbb Z$ satisfying $a\le n< a+1$.

The only solutions to this that I have found are those which involve floor/ceiling functions within the proof itself.

Where would one start in solving a proof like this? Possibly proof by contradiction?