Articles (A, An, The)

📍 Articles Refer to Nouns

In English, the articles are a, an, and the. Articles describe and point out nouns. Articles show if a noun is singular or plural, specific or general, and count or noncount.

Example: A man knocked on my door.

A in the above sentence is an article. It introduces one, non-specific noun which in the above sentence is the subject, a man.

🎯 Indefinite and Definite Articles

Indefinite Article (a)

General / Non-specific

Usage: Before consonant sounds

A man knocked on my door.

Refers to any man, not a specific one

Indefinite Article (an)

General / Non-specific

Usage: Before vowel sounds

An airplane is faster than an automobile.

Rule: Use "an" before words beginning with a vowel sound

Example: umbrella (the u in umbrella is a vowel sound)

the

Definite Article (the)

Specific

Usage: Points to specific nouns

The delivery is expected to arrive at noon.

The woman with the yellow hat is back.

Points to specific people or things

Important: Articles also show if a noun is count or noncount.

🎯 Article Practice

Choose the correct article to complete each sentence!

Fill in the blank with the correct article:

Click "New Question" to start practicing!

the