Articles: A, An, The
- Rule Title
- Articles: A, An, The
- Category
- Articles
- Rule Explanation
Indefinite Articles (A / An)
- Use a before consonant sounds (e.g., a university – sounds like 'yoo').
- Use an before vowel sounds (e.g., an hour – silent 'h', an MBA).
- Used for non-specific, first mention.
Definite Article (The)
- Used for specific nouns already mentioned or known.
- Used with unique things: the sun, the moon, the President.
- Used with superlatives: the best, the tallest.
- NOT used with: proper names, languages, sports, meals.
Zero Article
No article is used before plural or uncountable nouns used in a general sense.
- Correct Example
- She is a doctor. (non-specific)
- The doctor I visited was kind. (specific)
- An honest man is rare. (vowel sound)
- She plays Ø basketball. (no article with sports)
- Incorrect Example
She is the doctor.(first mention, non-specific)He is a honest man.(use an before vowel sound)