Articles – Easy Explanation

📘 What is an Article?

An **article** is a word used before a noun to indicate whether the noun is specific or unspecific. There are two types of articles: definite and indefinite.

Example: I bought a book yesterday. (The article "a" makes the book non-specific.)

📚 Types of Articles

• Definite Article: the
  It is used when we refer to something specific or something that has already been mentioned.
  Example: *The* cat is sleeping.
• Indefinite Articles: a and an
  These are used when referring to something non-specific or general.
  Example: I want a sandwich. (Not specific which one)
  Example: She has an umbrella.

🧠 When to Use "A" and "An"

• Use "a" before words that begin with a consonant sound.
  Example: I saw a dog.
• Use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).
  Example: I saw an elephant.
• Note: It's the sound that matters, not the letter.
  Example: "an hour" (because "hour" starts with a vowel sound) and "a university" (because "university" starts with a consonant sound).

📌 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t use an article before uncountable nouns. Example: *She gave me a advice* is incorrect. Correct: *She gave me some advice*.
• Don’t use "a" or "an" before plural nouns. Example: *I saw a dogs* is incorrect. Correct: *I saw dogs*.

📋 Questions Asked in Exams

• Q: What is the difference between the articles "a" and "the"?
  A: "A" and "an" are used for non-specific or general items, while "the" refers to something specific or previously mentioned.
• Q: When do we use "an" instead of "a"?
  A: "An" is used before words that start with a vowel sound, while "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.
• Q: Provide examples where "the" is used.
  A: *The cat is sleeping*, *The book on the table is mine*.