Articles: Definite & IndefiniteThere are 3 articles in the English language:

a an theThey are divided into 2 types:

Indefinite Definite a, an the

Articles are a type of limiting adjective.

Articles: Definite & IndefiniteThe points out a SPECIFIC person, place, or thing.

The door squeaked. (a specific door known to the writer and

reader)

Articles: Definite & IndefiniteA and an do not point out a specific person, place or thing. They point out a NON-SPECIFIC member of a group.

A door squeaked. (unspecified door, the exact door may be unknown, one of a number of doors in a

building.)

Indefinite Articles: When to use A, When to use AN

An is used before words beginning with a vowel SOUND.

It is an honor to meet you.Brandon became an engineer.

A is used before words beginning with a consonant SOUND.

I am a student.Ryan drove by a university.

Indefinite Articles:When to use A, When to use AN

Note: It is the SOUND that matters, not the spelling. The sound of the word following the article determines which article you use.

An hour An honest manA horrible accident

A universityAn ungrateful person

Indefinite ArticlesUse indefinite articles (a, an): 1. To introduce something you have not

mentioned beforeI saw an elephant this morning.

2. When talking about professionsI am an editor at the local newspaper.

My husband is an architect.

Indefinite ArticlesUse indefinite articles (a, an): 3. To refer to something/someone that is

non-specific, general, one of many.He caught a fish.

She’s is a basketball player.He is studying to become an engineer.

She threw a rock at the approaching bear.She will be here in an hour.

Definite Article: When to use THE1. When referring to a specific item or

specific member of a group.Did you lock the car?

The apple you ate was mine.The doctor who helped me is kind.

Definite Article: When to use THE2. When you have already mentioned the thing you are talking about. (Now it’s specific.)I saw an elephant this morning. The elephant had escaped from the zoo and was wandering

through the city.She has two children, a boy and a girl. The girl

is 8 years old, and the boy is 6.• On first reference, use an indefinite article.

For subsequent references, you may use the definite article.

Definite Article: When to use THE3. To talk about geographical points on the globe. (specific, unique)

Does Santa live at the North Pole?Is Canada near the equator?

4. To refer to rivers, oceans and seas (specific, unique)

The Nile is in Egypt.He lives on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

He has sailed the Mediterranean.

Definite Article: When to use THE5. Before certain nouns when we know there is only one of a particular thing

The earth revolves around the sun.He is my best friend in the world.

Have you visited the White House?Archeology is the study of civilizations of the

past. Science focuses on improving the future.

Live in the present.

Definite Article: When to use THE6. HOWEVER, if you wish to describe a particular instance of one of these things, use a/an.

Where in the world did you get that? (generally)In his paintings, he creates a world that is hauntingly

beautiful. (specific type of world)What are your plans for the future? (generally)

She has a promising future in music. (specific type of future)

Upside-down: Oddly, here indefinite articles are used to describe specific things, and the definite article is

used to describe the general item.

When to Use Definite Article7. To say that a particular person, place or thing is the best or only of its kind.

You met the Elvis Presley?Miami Beach is the place to be.

NoteThe does not mean all!

The books are expensive. (Not all books are expensive, just the ones I’m talking about.)

Books are expensive. (All books are expensive, so I don’t use an article at all.)

Zero Article It’s important to understand when NOT to use

an article.1. Do NOT use an article when talking about things in general.

Inflation is rising.Society is advancing.

People smile when they are happy.

Zero Article4. Do NOT use an article when talking about languages.

I speak Japanese.Henry learned Spanish while living in Mexico.

5. Do NOT use an article when using the names of academic subjects.

Do you have math or English next?Do you enjoy social studies?

Zero Article2. Do NOT use an article when talking about sports.

My son plays football.I enjoy bowling.

Tennis is his favorite sport.

Zero Article3. Do NOT use an article when talking about countries

I saw the queen of England on the news.She’s from Peru.

Have you ever been to Russia?

Zero ArticleExceptions to this rule:• The names represent multiple areas

the Netherlands, the Philippines, the Bahamas• The name contains the word kingdom, state, republic or

unionthe United Kingdom

the United States of Americathe Republic of Congo

the Dominican Republicthe Soviet Union

Note: The is NOT capitalized here, unless it begins a sentence.