Articles in English Grammar

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Articles in English - Learn What It Is, Definition, Types, Uses and Examples:

ARTICLES



In English grammar, articles are words used to define a noun as either specific or unspecific. They belong to the category of determiners and are placed before nouns. There are three articles in English: "a," "an," and "the." These articles help clarify whether the noun refers to a specific item or something more general.

We can say in short that, Articles in English grammar are small words that define a noun as specific or unspecific.


TYPES OF ARTICLES:

  1. Definite Article: "The"It can be used with singular or plural nouns and with both countable and uncountable nouns. "The" is used when referring to something specific or known to both the speaker and the listener.
  1. The book on the table is mine. (A specific book known to both speaker and listener)
  2. The dogs are barking. (Refers to specific dogs)
  3. She enjoyed the music. (Specific music)

Usage of "The": To make it clearer let us discuss the specific usage of The as stated below:

    • When something has already been mentioned or is clear from the context.
      • I saw a dog. The dog was barking loudly. (The second time, the dog is specific.)
    • When there is only one of something (unique objects).
      • The sun is shining.
    • Before superlatives and ordinal numbers.
      • He is the tallest person in the room.
      • This is the first book I read.

  1. Indefinite Articles: "A" and "An"
    • They are used with singular countable nouns to indicate one of many possible examples.
    • "A" is used before words that begin with a consonant or consonant sound.

Example:

 i.  A cat is sitting outside. (Any cat, not a specific one)

ii.   A car, a dog, a university (Note: "university" starts with a consonant sound "you").

iii.  A cat sat on the wall.  

    • "An" is used before words that begin with a vowel or vowel sound. (A, E, I, O, U).
      • Example: 
      •   I. An apple fell from the tree
      •    II.  She ate an apple for breakfast. (Any apple, not a specific one)
      •  III.    An apple, an elephant, an hour (Note: "hour" starts with a vowel    sound "ow").

When Articles Are Omitted:

In certain cases, articles are omitted altogether, especially:

  • With plural or uncountable nouns when talking in general terms:
    • Books are expensive. (Books in general, not specific ones)
    • Water is essential for life. (Refers to water in general)
  • In certain fixed expressions:
    • I go to school every day. (School in general, as an institution)
    • We had dinner at 7 PM. (No article is needed with meals)

Key Points:

  • "The" is for specific or previously mentioned nouns.
  • "A/An" is for something general or mentioned for the first time.

Summary

  • "The" is for specific or known items.
  • "A" or "An" is for something general or unknown.
  • Articles are essential to convey whether the noun is unique or general, specific or unspecific.

Special Uses of Articles

  • "The" with geographical names:
    • The Himalayas, the Pacific Ocean, the United Kingdom.
    • Omit articles before names of countries (except for countries with plural forms or "kingdom", "republic", etc.):
      • The United States, The Netherlands, France (no "the").
  • "The" with adjectives:
    • Used to refer to a group of people:
      • The rich (rich people in general), the elderly (older people in general).

Examples of Incorrect Usage and Corrections:

  • Incorrect: She is a best student. (Should be the best student, as it's a superlative).
  • Incorrect: He saw a elephants. (Should be an elephant, singular and starting with a vowel sound).

EXAMPLES OF ARTICLES

  • Let us look at a few more examples to find out how articles can be used.
  • The English teacher is absent today.
  • I saw a bird sitting on the tree in front of my house.
  • Not many know how to use an oven properly.
  • Tom has a cat.
  • We are going to buy a dress for our daughter.
  • Carry an umbrella. I am sure it will rain.
  • Keren found a puppy on the road.
  • The parents have been asked to attend a meeting tomorrow.
  • The committee has decided to bring down the fuel rates.
  • Due to a hartal, the shops have been closed.
  • Check Your Understanding of Articles
  • Fill in the blanks with the appropriate articles in the following sentences:
  • 1. Have you watched ______ new movie?
  • 2. I have never used ______ computer.
  • 3. Do you know _____ multiplication tables?
  • 4. Sandra brought ______ apple.
  • 5. Madhu has ____ teddy bear.
  • 6. ______ chairs are all broken.
  • 7. The janitor asked ______ students to walk carefully as ______ floor was wet.
  • 8. I have finished reading _____ book you lent me.
  • 9. Hari is planning to buy ____ new car.
  • 10. He has been waiting for ___ hour.
  • Check your answers.
  • 1. Have you watched the new movie?
  • 2. I have never used a computer.
  • 3. Do you know the multiplication tables?
  • 4. Sandra brought an apple.
  • 5. Madhu has a teddy bear.
  • 6. The chairs are all broken.
  • 7. The janitor asked the students to walk carefully as the floor was wet.
  • 8. I have finished reading the book you lent me.
  • 9. Hari is planning to buy a new car.
  • 10. He has been waiting for an hour.

References:

1.     https://www.grammarly.com/blog/articles/

2.    https://byjus.com/english/articles-in-english/



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