English Grammar: Articles

Definition and Function

• An article is a type of determiner that modifies a noun by indicating its type and reference in the sentence.
• Articles specify whether the noun is specific or general, and whether it is singular or plural.

Types of Articles

• Definite Article: "the" - indicates a specific noun, implying that the listener or reader already knows which one is being referred to.
• Indefinite Articles: "a" and "an" - indicate non-specific nouns, implying that the listener or reader does not know which one is being referred to.

Usage Rules

• Use "a" before nouns that start with a consonant sound (e.g., "a cat").
• Use "an" before nouns that start with a vowel sound (e.g., "an elephant").
• Use "the" before nouns that are specific or previously mentioned (e.g., "the book on the table").
• Use "a" or "an" before nouns that are general or unknown (e.g., "a book" or "an apple").

Exceptions and Special Cases

• Use "the" before plural nouns that refer to a specific group (e.g., "the dogs").
• Use "a" or "an" before nouns that are abstract or general concepts (e.g., "a happiness" or "an idea").
• Use "the" before nouns that are unique or one-of-a-kind (e.g., "the sun" or "the Internet").