What Are Articles?
Articles are small words we use before nouns. They help tell us if we mean one thing in general or something specific.
- I saw a dog.
- She wants an apple.
- We went to the park.
Articles are like little helpers that point to nouns in a sentence.
Using a Before Words
The word a is used before nouns that begin with a consonant sound.
- I have a ball.
- She saw a cat.
- We need a pencil.
Use a before words that start with sounds like b, c, d, f, g, and other consonants.
Using an Before Words
The word an is used before nouns that begin with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).
- I ate an orange.
- She wants an egg.
- He is an artist.
Use an before vowel sounds, even if the word does not start with a vowel letter (like an hour).
Using the to Show Specific Nouns
The word the is used when we talk about a specific person, place, or thing that both the speaker and listener know about.
- We went to the zoo.
- She found the book on the table.
- I saw the moon last night.
Use the when talking about something special, unique, or already mentioned.
Choosing the Right Article
Articles make sentences clearer. Choosing the right one depends on the word that follows and whether the noun is general or specific.
- General: She wants a toy. (any toy)
- Specific: She wants the toy. (a special toy we know about)
- Before vowels: I need an eraser.
Always look at the noun and its sound to pick a, an, or the.