Articles in English - Definition, Types, Uses, Examples, Exercises

An article is a short mono-syllabic word that is used to define the nature of the noun that it gets added to. Articles help us to understand whether the noun used in the sentence is a general noun or a specific noun. 

Being used before nouns, the articles, having a vowel sound, modify nouns and hence can be considered adjectives.

There are mainly two types of articles in English, i.e.:

• Definite Articles 
• Indefinite Articles

Let us learn about each of these articles below. 

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The article “the” is a Definite Article. It is used to determine the nature of the noun in a sentence whether it is a specific noun or general noun. 

The Definite article can also be used before collective nouns, plural nouns and the superlative degree of comparison of something. 

Here are a few examples of where the definite article “the” can be used:

1. The children are playing hockey. 
2. This is the world’s best cricket ground. 
3. The children repeated along with the teacher.

Articles “a” and “an” are the Indefinite articles. These are used to indicate indefinite or non-specific nouns. These articles can also be used before singular nouns. 

Check out a few examples of the Indefinite articles below:

1. This is a cat.
2. Sita went on a trip.
3. Students use an eraser to correct their mistakes. 

Now let us learn how to use the articles “a”, “an” and “the”.

If you too often wonder how to use articles, here we have covered articles a, an and the rules with examples:

Use of “a” and “an” Articles

The difference between the usage of “a” and “an” articles is determined by the “sound” of the succeeding word. The article “an” is used before words that begin with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u). For example, an umbrella, an inkpad, an orange, an enemy, etc.

On the other hand, the article “a” is used before words starting with a consonant sound. For example, a horse, a cat, a union, a university, a useful article, etc.

Apart from the above cases, below are a few more cases where the definite articles “a” and “an” are used:

1. The article “a” can be used in its original numerical sense. For example:
• Not even a word was said.
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
2. To single out an individual as a representative of the whole class. For example: 
• A pupil should obey his master.
• A soldier should fight to protect his country.
3. To make a common noun of a proper noun. 

Common Mistakes in the Use of “A” and “An” Articles:-

These rules are sometimes misinterpreted as - 

1. Article “an” is thought of to be used before words starting with vowels (a, e, i, o, u). However, words like “hour”, “honest” and “heir” go with the “an” article. Therefore, the correct explanation of such exceptional cases came from the understanding of the vowel and consonant sounds. For example, an honest girl, an hour, a European, a yard, etc. 
2. Some native speakers use the article “an” before words starting with “h”. For example, an hotel, an house, etc. However, these forms are not acceptable widely and are considered wrong. 

Use of “the” Article

Article “the” is used when we talk about a specific person or things or someone or something that we have already talked about. Check out the other cases where “the” article is used below:

1. Where a singular noun is used to represent the whole class/category. For example: 
• The horse is a noble animal.
• The cat loves comfort.
• The cow is a useful animal. 
2. Before Proper Nouns, for example:
• Rivers: the Ganga river, the Nile river
• Oceans and seas: the Pacific Ocean, the Black Sea
• Canals: the Suez Canal
• Mountain ranges: the Himalayas
3. Before some country names that begin with words like republic and kingdom. For example, the United Kingdom, the Irish Republic, the Republic of Korea. “The” article is also used with country names - the Ukraine and the Netherlands (and its seat of government,i.e. the Hague).
4. Before the names of certain books such as “The Ramayana”, “the Iliad”, “the Vedas”, etc.
5. Before the names of unique-of-its-kind things. For example, the sun, the moon, the ocean, the sky, the earth, etc.
6. Before Proper Nouns that are defined by an adjective or a defining adjectival clause. For example, the great Ceasar, the immortal Shakespeare, etc.
7. Before the superlative degree of comparison. For example, the best book, the darkest cloud, the loudest speakers, etc. 
8. Before the ordinals; for example:
• She was the first girl to arrive.
• The ninth chapter of the book is very tough.
9. Before an adjective where the noun is understood. 
10. Where the noun is given emphasis or the force of superlatives. 
11. As an adverb with comparatives; for example, “The more they get, the more they want.”

Exception to the Use of “a”, “an” and the” Articles: The nouns “man” and “woman” can be used in a general sense without either article. For example: Man is the only animal that uses fire. However, these days, the use of “a” article is more common with these nouns. For example: A woman is more sensitive than a man. 

Check out some difficult examples of articles in English below.

Check out your knowledge of the articles in English with the exercises given below.

1. Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with a suitable article in English below.

1. Aladdin has ____ wonderful lamp. 
2. Who is ____ girl sitting there?
3. ____ Ganga is ____ sacred river. 
4. If you see him, give him ____ message.
5. The guide knows ____ way. 
6. Sri Lanka is ____ island nation.
7. Mumbai is ____ very costly place to live in.
8. Let us discuss ____ matter seriously.

Answers:

1. a
2. the
3. The, a
4. the
5. The
6. an
7. a
8. the

2. Insert Suitable Articles where Necessary

Insert articles in the sentences given below. 

1. Moon did not rise till after ten.
2. Sun rises in east.
3. The brave soldier lost arm in battle. 
4. Get pound of suger from nearest grocer.
5. The river was spanned by iron bridge.
6. I have not seen him since he was child. 
7. What kind of bird is that?
8. It was proudest moment of my life.

Answers:

1. The moon did not rise till after ten.
2. The sun rises in the east.
3. The brave soldier lost an arm in the battle.
4. Get a pound of sugar from the nearest grocer.
5. The river was spanned by an iron bridge.
6. I have not seen him since he was a child.
7. What kind of a bird is that?
8. It was the proudest moment of my life.

This was all about the Articles in English. To learn more such basic topics in English, check out IELTS A1 Grammar.