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English Grammar Part 2

Articles in English are small words used before nouns to indicate specificity. There are two types: indefinite articles ('a' and 'an') for general references, and the definite article ('the') for specific references. The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the sound that follows, while 'the' is used when both speaker and listener know the subject.

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9 views2 pages

English Grammar Part 2

Articles in English are small words used before nouns to indicate specificity. There are two types: indefinite articles ('a' and 'an') for general references, and the definite article ('the') for specific references. The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the sound that follows, while 'the' is used when both speaker and listener know the subject.

Uploaded by

kiruthiba
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Using “A”, “An”, and “The” – Articles in English

What are Articles?


Articles are small words we use before nouns to show whether we’re talking about
something specific or general.
There are two types of articles:
1. Indefinite Articles – a, an
2. Definite Article – the

1. Indefinite Articles: “A” and “An”


We use “a” and “an” when we are talking about something for the first time or about
any one of something – not specific.

Use “a” before words that start with a consonant sound


✅ Examples:
 a cat
 a book
 a boy
 a university ✨ (“university” starts with a “yu” sound)

Use “an” before words that start with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u)
✅ Examples:
 an apple
 an elephant
 an honest man ✨ (“honest” starts with a silent “h,” so the sound is a vowel)
 an hour ✨ (silent "h" again)

Note: It’s about sound, not just spelling.


 “a uniform” (sounds like “you-niform”)
 “an MBA” (starts with “em” sound)

2. Definite Article: “The”


We use “the” when we are talking about something specific or something we already
know.
✅ Examples:
 The sun is bright. (There is only one sun)
 I saw a dog. The dog was barking. (Second time = specific)
 She went to the market. (We know which market)
Use “the” when:
 There is only one of something
→ the moon, the Earth
 Both speaker and listener know what you're talking about
→ Close the door.
 Talking about specific places, animals, or things
→ the Taj Mahal, the Nile River
 With superlatives
→ the best, the biggest, the most beautiful

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