Article
Words before nouns that indicate definite or indefinite reference
What is an Article?
Articles are small words before nouns. English has three: a, an, the. They tell the listener whether the noun is specific or general.
Types of Articles
Indefinite Article (a / an)
Used before singular countable nouns when referring to something general or not previously mentioned. "a" before consonant sounds, "an" before vowel sounds.
I saw a dog in the park.
She ate an apple.
He is an honest man.
"honest" starts with a vowel sound despite the consonant "h"
Definite Article (the)
Used when the noun is specific or already known to both speaker and listener. Works with singular, plural, countable, and uncountable nouns.
The sun rises in the east.
The book on the table is mine.
Zero Article (No Article)
No article is used with plural/uncountable nouns in general statements, proper names, meals, sports, and abstract ideas.
Dogs are loyal animals.
I love music.