Article Grammar: Definite and Indefinite Articles! Choosing the correct definite or indefinite article can be tricky. This article will help you understand when to use each type and how they differ. Knowing when to use a definite or indefinite article will improve your grammar skills and make you a more confident writer.

What is an Article?

An article is a word that is used before a noun to indicate whether the noun is specific or unspecific. When an article is used before a noun, it can change the meaning of the noun.

For example, if you say “I read the article on fossils,” you are referring to a specific article. However, if you say “I read an article on fossils,” you are referring to any article.

There are three articles in English: “a,” “an,” and “the.” “A” and “an” are called indefinite articles because they refer to someone or something that is not specific. “The” is called a definite article because it refers to someone or something that is specific. Learn more about how to use articles in English grammar with these examples and explanations.

Types of Articles in Grammar

There are three articles in English grammar: a, an, and the. Each article is used before a noun to show whether the noun is specific or unspecific.

i- Indefinite Articles

“A” and “an” are indefinite articles because they refer to someone or something that is not specific. For example, if you say “I need a book,” you are referring to any book.

ii- Definite Article

“The” is a definite article because it refers to someone or something that is specific. For example, if you say “I read the book on fossils,” you are referring to a specific book.

When to Use A (Indefinite Article)

1- Use “a” before words that begin with a consonant sound.

For example:

• a dog
• a cat

2- Use “a” before words that begin with “u” when the word sounds like “you.”

For example:

• a university

3- Use “a” before words that begin with a vowel sound but are pronounced with a consonant sound.

For example:

• a one-way ticket (sounds like won)

When to Use AN (Indefinite Article)

1- Use “an” before words that begin with a vowel sound.

For example:

• an apple
• an orange

2- Use “an” before words that begin with a silent letter.

For example:

• an hour (h is silent)

3- Use “an” before words that begin with “u” when the word sounds like “yoo.”

For example:

• an umbrella

When to Use THE (Definite Article)

1- Use “the” before a noun when you know the listener/reader knows which one you are talking about.

For example:

• I’m going to the store. (The listener/reader knows which store.)

2- Use “the” before a noun when there is only one of that thing.

For example:

• The cat is on the table.

3- Use “the” before a noun that has already been mentioned.

For example:

• I saw a cat. The cat was sleeping.

4- Use “the” before the first noun in a list of two or more things.

For example:

• I have a cat and a dog. The cat is black and the dog is white.

5- Use “the” before certain adjectives.

For example:

• He’s the best basketball player in the world.

When NOT to Use an Article

1- Do not use an article before a plural noun.

For example:

• cats
• dogs

2- Do not use an article before a proper noun (the name of a person, place, or thing).

For example:

• John
• Africa

3- Do not use an article before an uncountable noun.

For example:

• rice
• water

4- Do not use an article before the word “bed.”

For example:

• I’m going to bed.

5- Do not use an article before the word “church.”

For example:

• I’m going to church.

Article Grammar Exercises

Now that you know the types of articles and when to use them, test your knowledge with these practice questions. Select the correct article for each sentence.

1. I need _____ new suit for my interview.
2. A) a
3. B) an
4. C) the
5. _____ moon is beautiful tonight.
6. A) A
7. B) An
8. C) The
9. I’m going to _____ store.
10. A) a
11. B) an
12. C) the
13. _____ cat is sleeping on _____ bed.
14. A) A, a
15. B) The, a
16. C) A, the
17. _____ United States is a country in _____ North America.
18. A) The, a
19. B) A, the
20. C) The, the
21. I have _____ sister and _____ brother.
22. A) a, a
23. B) an, a
24. C) a, the
25. _____ hour is almost up.
26. A) A
27. B) An
28. C) The
29. _____ students in my class are from _____ China.
30. A) The, the
31. B) The, a
32. C) A, the
33. I’m going to _____ church.
34. A) a
35. B) an
36. C) the
37. Please pass _____ salt.
38. A) a
39. B) an
40. C) the

Answers

1. I need a new suit for my interview.
2. The moon is beautiful tonight.
3. I’m going to the store.
4. The cat is sleeping on the bed.
5. The United States is a country in North America.
6. I have a sister and a brother.
7. The hour is almost up.
8. The students in my class are from China.
9. I’m going to church.
10. Please pass the salt.