Articles

 

Articles are terms that describe a noun as particular or unspecific.

Grammar has two kinds of articles: Definite and Indefinite.

The Definite Article

The definite article is - THE. It defines the purpose of a noun to one distinct form. 

For Example, your colleague might ask, “Are you going to the dinner this weekend?” The definite article shows that your colleague refers to a specific dinner that both of you know about. The definite article can be applied with single, plural, or uncountable nouns. 

Some examples of the definite article used in context:

• Please give me the mallet.
• Please give me the blue hammer; the red one is too small.

The Indefinite Article

The indefinite article takes two forms. It’s the word A if it introduces a word that starts with a consonant. It’s the word AN if it prefaces a word that starts with a vowel (a,e,i,o,u). The indefinite article symbolises that a noun belongs to a general idea rather than a particular form. 

For example; you might ask your colleague, “Should I bring a present to the dinner party?” Here, not inquiring about a particular kind of gift or one specific thing. “I am going to bring an apple pie,”. Over, the indefinite article shows that they are not speaking of a particular apple pie. Your friend probably doesn’t even have any pie yet. The indefinite article rises with singular nouns. 

Examples of indefinite articles used in context:

• Please give me a novel; any novel will do.
• Please give me an autobiography; any autobiography will do.

Article Before an Adjective

Sometimes an article changes a noun that is also changed by an adjective. The standard word group is article + adjective + noun. If the article is vague, choose A or AN based on the word that directly supports it. Examples;

• Simran will bring a present to Pooja’s birthday party.
• I learned about an exciting tale yesterday.