What is an article?

Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific.

For example:

- a book (this book is unspecific... just a random book.)

- an orange (unspecific)

- the Sun (there is only one... it is specific.)

There are two types of articles:

• Indefinite articles, i.e. a/an

• Definite article, i.e. the (for something specific)

Usage of Article ‘A’

‘A’ is used before a singular noun beginning

with a consonant sound.

Example: b,c,d,f,g,h,j,k,l,m,n,p,q,r,s,t,v,w,x,y,z

*a means one so this is how you can remember that you have to use it with a singular noun.

e.g. a boat and not a boats because there is only one.

Usage of the Article ‘AN’

Article ‘an’ is used before a singular noun that starts with a vowel sound –

a, e, i, o, u.

Example:

An aeroplane

An elephant

An igloo

An octopus

An umbrella

Vowel/consonant sound

If the singular noun starts with a vowel but not a vowel sound, use a and not an.

university, uniform, one, euro, ... all start with a vowel but not a vowel sound so it's a university, a uniform, etc.

Usage of the Article ‘THE’

Article the is used before a noun that is specific or unique.

Example:

The Burj Khalifa

The Dubai Mall

Usually a specific noun comes after an unspecific noun.

For example:

Here is a painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. The painting is called the Mona Lisa.

We can use the with both singular and plural specific nouns!

My uncle has drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci. The drawings are very expensive.

No article usage

When we are talking about more than one unspecified thing (noun), we don't use any articles.

For example:

My uncle has drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci.

I have books.

• 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 the 2003 federal budget

​There are exceptions to #Rule 2:

• ​For words that start with the sound/pronounciation "yu"; you have to use the article "a" instead.

​for examples:

• ​a university

• ​a uniform

• ​a european

• ​a unit

​#Rule 3: The Article "the"

• ​"the" is used to state the specific, and uncountable nouns, like the sun or the ocean.

​​For examples:

• ​This is an umbrella. The umbrella is colourful. (specific)

• ​The sugar is so sweet. (uncountable)

• ​The moon is really beautiful today. (specific)