Articles (a/an/the)
Articles are small words that come before nouns. Use 'a' before words that begin with a consonant sound, and 'an' before words that begin with a vowel sound. Use 'the' when both the speaker and listener know which specific thing is meant.
WHEN TO USE
Use 'a/an' when mentioning something for the first time or when it is one of many. Use 'the' for specific things already known to both speaker and listener. Use no article with uncountable nouns and plural nouns used in general.
STRUCTURE
a + consonant sound / an + vowel soundI have a dog. She is an engineer.
the + specific/known nounI saw a dog. The dog was very friendly.
no article + plural/uncountable noun (general)Dogs are loyal animals. Water is essential for life.
SIGNAL WORDS
- a
- an
- the
- some
- any
EXAMPLES
I saw a dog in the park.
She is an excellent teacher.
Please close the window — it is cold.
The moon is bright tonight.
I love music and art.
COMMON MISTAKES
She is a honest person.
She is an honest person.
'Honest' begins with a vowel sound (the 'h' is silent), so use 'an'
I go to the school every day.
I go to school every day.
No article is used with school/work/church when referring to their purpose
Tip
Remember: articles depend on SOUND, not spelling. 'A university' (not 'an') because it starts with a 'y' sound. 'An hour' (not 'a') because the 'h' is silent.