What is an Article?

An article in English grammar is a word that is placed before a noun to indicate the type of reference being made to the noun. There are two types of articles in English: the definite article (“the”) and the indefinite article (“a” or “an”).

The definite article “the” is used when the noun is specific and already known to the listener or reader, like “The book I just read was amazing.”

The indefinite article “a” or “an” is used when the noun is non-specific and unknown, it is used to refer to any noun in a general sense, like “I saw a dog in the park.” or “I had an apple for breakfast.”

It’s important to remember that the use of articles can change the meaning of a sentence, and not all nouns require an article. Also, languages like Hindi, do not have articles, so it might be a tricky concept for some non-native speakers to grasp.

There are two types of articles: definite and indefinite.

The definite article “the” is used to refer to a specific noun that is known to both the speaker and the listener. It is used when the noun is specific and already known, like “The book I just read was amazing.” or “I’m going to the store.”

The indefinite article “a” or “an” is used to refer to any noun in a general sense, like “I saw a dog in the park.” or “I had an apple for breakfast.” It is used when the noun is non-specific and unknown. The choice between “a” and “an” depends on the first letter of the noun that follows, “a” is used before a noun starting with a consonant sound, and “an” is used before a noun starting with a vowel sound.

Easy explanation

Indefinite Article

The indefinite article (a, an) is used before a noun that is general or when its identity is not known.

‘a’ is used before a singular noun beginning with a consonant sound.

Example of articles ‘a’

We have a meeting today.

‘an’ is used before a singular noun beginning with a vowel sound.

Example of articles ‘an’

We are looking for an apartment.

‘a’ is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

A boy

A star

A frog

‘an’ is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

An apple

An umbrella

An insect

Some vowels have a consonant sound as well as vowel sound. Use the article ‘a’

When ‘U’ makes the same sound as the ‘Y’ that’s “yoo”.

An university- Incorrect

A university – Correct

An uniform – Incorrect

A uniform – Correct

Examples

Some words begin with a silent “h”. Use “an” with nouns that begin with a silent “h”:

An hour.

An honour.

Examples-

• John is reading a book.
• Would you like a peach?
• Is that a dog or a fox?
• You’ll need a ruler and a pencil.
• Is there also an entrance at the back of the building?
• Have you ever seen an elephant?
• I always take an apple to school.

Definite Article

‘the’ is a definite article and is the most frequently used word in English. The definite article is used before singular and plural nouns when the noun is specific or particular.

Example of article ‘the’

Dad is sitting in the garden.

Do not use ‘the’ with proper nouns (Country. City, state, town, people’s names, etc.)

I live in the Mumbai – incorrect

I live in Mumbai- Correct

• The sun is shining bright.
• The moon is dim tonight.
• My mother is the best cook.
• I ate an apple yesterday. The apple was juicy and delicious.
• He is the man who saved me from drowning.
• The elderly need to take special care.
• The sun rises in the east.

Here are a few examples of sentences using articles in English grammar:

1. “I read an interesting article in the newspaper this morning.” (indefinite article “an” and definite article “the”)
2. “She is writing an article about the benefits of exercise.” (indefinite article “an” and definite article “the”)
3. “He saw a car he liked on the street and decided to buy it.” (indefinite article “a”)
4. “The dog barked at the mailman who was delivering the letters.” (definite article “the”)
5. “I am going to the store to buy some milk and bread.” (definite article “the”)
6. “An elephant is a large animal with big ears and a long trunk.” (indefinite article “an”)
7. “He is reading a book about the history of the world.” (indefinite article “a” and definite article “the”)
8. “I am going to an art exhibition at the museum next week.” (indefinite article “an” and definite article “the”)

It’s important to note that articles are not always necessary in a sentence, for example, in idiomatic expressions, and in some cases, the use of articles may change the meaning of the sentence.