The adjectives a, an and the are called articles.

There are two types of articles.

  • Indefinite article – A/An
  • Definite article – The

 

Indefinite Article

The words 'a' and 'an' are called indefinite articles. You can use them with singular nouns to talk about any single person or thing.

The article a is used before words beginning with consonants.
Ex:

  • This is a car.
  • This is a uniform. ( Uniform’s pronunciation does not start with vowel sound)
  • This is a bat.

The article an is usually used before words beginning with vowels (a, e, i, o, u).
In simple words, article an is used before words whose pronunciation starts with vowel sound.
Ex:

  • Sunil is an intelligent boy.
  • He is an MLA. (MLA’s pronunciation start with vowel sound)
  • He is an honest man. (Honest’s pronunciation start with vowel sound)

Rules for using Indefinite article.

 

Definite article 'The'

The word 'the' is called definite article. Use 'the' before a noun when you are talking about a certain or specific person or thing.
Definite article 'the' is also used when talking about the thing which is already mentioned earlier.

  • Virat has won the match
  • The mobile is ringing.
  • The train has arrived.

Rules for using definite article.

Difference between definite and indefinite articles.