Understanding Articles in English

Articles

• Articles are words used before nouns.
• There are two articles: a/an (indefinite) and the (definite).
• The indefinite article (a/an) is used before singular countable nouns, and leaves the person or thing spoken of indefinite. Examples: a doctor, an orange.
• The definite article (the) is used before singular countable nouns, plural countable nouns, and uncountable nouns. It points out a particular person or thing. Example: the book.
• The choice between "a" and "an" depends on the sound following; "an" precedes vowel sounds, and "a" precedes consonant sounds. Examples: an orange, a book.
• Words beginning with "h" are treated differently, as the "h" sound may not be pronounced (hour/honest...).

Use of the Definite Article

• The is used when referring to a specific person or thing already mentioned in the context. Example: This is the book you want.
• The is used with nouns representing a whole class of things, as in classifying them. Example: The horse is a useful animal.
• The is used before certain proper nouns, like oceans, seas, rivers, deserts, groups of islands and mountain ranges. Example: The Pacific, the Nile, the Sahara.
• The is used before the names of books, as well as unique things. Example: The Vedas, the sky, the sun.
• The is used before a proper noun modified by an adjective or clause. Examples: The great Caesar, The man who saved us.

Use of the Indefinite Article

• The indefinite article (a/an) is used in its original numerical sense of one. Example: Twelve inches make a foot.
• The indefinite article is used in the vague sense of a certain. Example: A Kishore Kumar is suspected by the police.
• The indefinite article is used in the sense of any, to single out an individual as the representative of a class. Example: A cow is a useful animal.
• The indefinite article is used to make a common noun of a proper noun. Example: A Daniel come to judgement.

Omission of the Article

• Articles are often omitted before names of substances and abstract nouns. Example: Sugar is bad for your teeth.
• Articles are omitted before plural countable nouns used in a general sense, and with proper nouns referencing people, places, etc., except for some phrases like "to catch fire." Example: Children like chocolates.