GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Articles

Definition

Articles (the / a / an) are used to show if a noun is specific or general.

Example

A tree is burning. (general: no identifying feature)

The tree in front of the house is burning. (specific: in front of the house)

Explanation

Articles:

• go before the noun. There is only one article before a noun.
• are either indefinite (a / an), definite (the), or zero (nothing).
• are not used before names of people or places.

Indefinite articles:

• are used when the nouns are general, and not specific.
• are used with singular count nouns.
• have two forms: a and an. "A" is used when the first sound of the noun is not a vowel. For example, a cow, a computer, a book. "An" is used when the first sound of the noun is a vowel sound. For example, an apple, an orange, an animal.

Definite articles:

• are used when the nouns are specific.
• are used with singular and plural count nouns.
• are used with non-count nouns.

Zero article:

• is used when the nouns are not specific.
• is used with plural count nouns.
• is used with non-count nouns.

Related Sections

Plurals
Demonstratives
Count and Non-Count Nouns
Pronouns
Questions