English articles

How to use articles in the English language?

Articles are used to introduce a noun or a noun phrase. There are two types of them - indefinite and definite articles. Based on the type of article you can learn the level of familiarity the speaker and listener have of the introduced noun. 

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Nozipho C.

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What are definite articles?

Definite articles specify something that has already been discussed or is known by all the speakers. The only indefinite article is "the". It can be used with countable and uncountable nouns as well as singular and plural ones. 

Examples:

• I truly miss the nineties.
• Bram is the tallest person I know. 
• He's the tall boy in end of the hall. 
• It is the red apple.
• The Gettys were one of the wealthiest families.
• I have to buy the new iPhone.

What are indefinite articles?

Indefinite articles indicate that the noun is a general or unknown one rather than a specific one. The indefinite articles are "a" and "an".

The article "a"

The article "a" is placed in front of singular, countable nouns. We use this article prior nouns that begin with a consonant. 

Examples:

• She is a nurse.
• I go there once a month.
• He is a Smith, as far as I know. 
• Do you need a hand with that project?

The article "an"

The article "an" is placed in front of singular and countable nouns. It it used when the noun after it begins with a vowel or with a silent "h".

Examples:

• You will need an assistant.
• I don't think he's an American.
• There is an apricot in the kitchen. 

Grammar exceptions

When the noun begins with "u", "ew" and "eu" and the projected sound of it sounds like "you" we must use the article "a". 

Example:

• She is a European. 
• I want to go to a university in France