ARTICLES

Definition
• Article is the class o words that precedes the Noun to define, limit or modify its
use.
• Articles are divided into Definite and Indefinite.
Definite Article (The)
• The Definite Article The is used before a noun already known to
the listener or reader.
 The Definite Article The is used before a noun already known to the listener or reader.

Indefinite Article (a,an)

• Is used before a noun that is general or when it´s identity is not
known. It refers to one example of many possibilities and
does not identify an exact person or thing
• Is used before singular countable nouns

• Eg.:I have read a book on this topic.

Important
• I can´t be used before plural and uncountable nouns
 The Definite Article The is used before a noun already known to the listener or reader.

What is the role of indefinite articles?

• -Introduce a noun
• On the first mention of a noun, we often use indefinite
articles to introduce it to a reader or listener.
• Once it is introduced, we can then use the definite
article the to indicate we are referring to that specific thing
• Example:
I took a book off of the shelf. The book was pretty heavy.
 The Definite Article The is used before a noun already known to the listener or reader.

What is the role of indefinite articles?

• -Refer to nonspecific things
•  we want to refer to something without specifying it. For
example it might be unimportant or unnecessary to give
exact details about something
• Eg: My daughter wants a puppy
 The Definite Article The is used before a noun already known to the listener or reader.

The Indefinite Article (a)

• Is used before a word that begins with a consonant
• Example: She found a penny on the ground. (P is a
consonant.)
 The Definite Article The is used before a noun already known to the listener or reader.

The Indefinite Article (an)

• Is used before a word that begins with a vowel
• Example: He ate an apple. (A is a vowel.)
 The Definite Article The is used before a noun already known to the listener or reader.

Note: Consonant and vowel sounds

•  If a word begins with a consonant sound or a vowel sound,
the sound will take priority over whatever the first letter is. 
For example:
• 
• He drew an oval. (Oval begins with a vowel sound.)
• She is a one-woman army. (One begins with a consonant
sound. When said aloud, one sounds like it begins with
a W.)
Use no article (For indefinite, uncountable
nouns)
• 1. We usually use no article to talk about things in general.
• Examples:
• Milk is good for you.
• Men are always fond of soccer.

• 2. With uncountable nouns when they refer to general

concepts.
• Examples: Water is essential for life.
• 2. We do not use an article when talking about sports and games.
• Examples:
• Let’s go and play basketball.
• Badminton is an indoor game.

• 3. Do not use article before the names of countries unless the name suggests
that the country is made up of smaller units or constituent parts.
• Examples:
• Japan
• France
• 4. Do not use article before the name of language.
• Examples: We are learning English.
• 5. Do not use article before the names of railway stations when they
are also place names.
• 6. Do not use article before the names of meals if they refer to the
meals generally, as a part of the daily routine.
• Examples:
• They invited some friends to dinner.
• We had beef steak for dinner.
• 7. Do not use article before noun + number.
• Examples:
• You’ll be leaving from Gate 5 on the eastern concourse.
• The laboratory is in room 6 on the third floor.
• When do I not need an article?
• We don't use an article:
• When we refer to all members of a group. For example:
• Tigers  are endangered.
• With uncountable nouns when they refer to general concepts.
• Water is essential for life.
• Names of people, books, movies, plays (unless it is part of the
title).
• Avatar is a science-fiction movie.
• Many geographical features: towns, cities, states, countries,
lakes, single islands, continents, mountains.
• Melbourne is in Victoria.
• Sports, games and meals.
• He plays football. I like chess. They’re serving fried chicken
tonight.