English Grammar: Basics of Articles

English Grammar: Basics of Articles

English Grammar: Basics of Articles

Last Updated on Nov 1, 2020

In this lesson, we will explore three very small but important words in the English language: the articles a, an and the. Articles in English grammar are words that you use in almost every sentence that you speak or write. Learn about the significance of articles, when to use them and some examples.

Definition

An article is a word used to modify a noun, which is a person, place, object, or idea. Technically, an article is an adjective, which is any word that modifies a noun. Usually, adjectives modify nouns through description, but articles are used instead to point out or refer to nouns. There are two different types of articles that we use in writing and conversation to point out or refer to a noun or group of nouns: definite and indefinite articles.

Types of Article:

Definite Article:

Let’s begin by looking at the definite article. This article is the word ‘the,’ and it refers directly to a specific noun or groups of nouns. For example:

  • the freckles on my face
  • the alligator in the pond
  • the breakfast burrito on my plate

Each noun or group of nouns being referred to – in these cases freckles, alligator, and breakfast burrito – is direct and specific.

Indefinite Article

Indefinite articles are the words ‘a’ and ‘an.’ Each of these articles is used to refer to a noun, but the noun being referred to is not a specific person, place, object, or idea. It can be any noun from a group of nouns. For example:

  • a Mercedes from the car lot
  • an event in history

In each case, the noun is not specific. The Mercedes could be any Mercedes car available for purchase, and the event could be any event in the history of the world.

Rules for Article

Specific identity not known: Use the indefinite article a or an only with a singular count noun whose specific identity is not known to the reader. Use a before nouns that begin with a consonant sound, and use an before nouns that begin with a vowel sound.

  • Use the article a or an to indicate any non-specified member of a group or category.
    I think an animal is in the garage
    That man is a scoundrel.
    We are looking for an apartment.
  • Use the article a or an to indicate one in number (as opposed to more than one).
    I own a cat and two dogs.
  • Use the article a before a consonant sound, and use an before a vowel sound.
    a boy, an apple

Specific identity is known: Use the definite article with any noun (whether singular or plural, count or non-count) when the specific identity of the noun is known to the reader, as in the following situations:

  • Use the article the when a particular noun has already been mentioned previously.
    I ate an apple yesterday. The apple was juicy and delicious.
  • Use the article the when an adjective, phrase, or clause describing the noun clarifies or restricts its identity.
    The boy sitting next to me raised his hand.
    Thank you for the advice you gave me.
  • Use the article the when the noun refers to something or someone that is unique.
    the theory of relativity

All things or things in general: Use no article with plural count nouns or any non-count nouns used to mean all or in general.
Trees are beautiful in the fall. (All trees are beautiful in the fall.)
He was asking for advice. (He was asking for advice in general.)
I do not like coffee. (I do not like all coffee in general.)

Additional Information Regarding the Use of Articles
When indicating an unspecified, limited amount of a count or non-count noun, use some.
My cousin was seeking some advice from a counselor (not advice in general or advice about everything, but a limited amount of advice).

Through this blog post, we have provided the necessary details about Articles. Definition, Types and Rules related to Articles are clearly mentioned for easy understanding.
For more English related posts, click on the links below.
Adverbs
Adjectives 
English Preparation

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