Articles

What are Articles?

Articles are words that mark a noun as being specific or nonspecific.

There are three articles in the English language:

• The
• A
• A

Use the article the when the noun you are describing is specific.

• Example: I went to the biggest mall in the city.

Use the article a when the noun you are describing is nonspecific and begins with a consonant sound.

• Example: I watched a movie.
• Example: My child wanted a unicorn.

Use the article an when the noun you are describing is nonspecific and begins with a vowel sound.

• Example: I opened an umbrella.
• Example: I drank an herbal tea to soothe my stomach.

If any words come between the article and noun, use the sound of the word immediately after the article to determine if you should use a or an.

• Example: She made a bombastic entrance.
• Example: A rapidly approaching elephant crossed the road.
• I watched an excellent movie.