what is a article part of speech

• English Grammar
• Articles In English

Articles in English - Learn What It Is, Definition, Types, Uses and Examples

Have you ever been wondering what part of speech the articles belong to? Do you think they are pronouns , adverbs or adjectives ? Well, this article will help you with all that you need to know. Learn what articles are, their definition, types, how to use them, and uses, along with examples. Also, try out the practice questions given to check how far you have understood the same.

Table of Contents

Definition of an article.

• Definite Article
• Indefinite Article

Usage and Exceptions – Points to be Remembered When Using Articles

Examples of articles, check your understanding of articles, frequently asked questions on articles in english grammar, what is an article.

An article is a short monosyllabic word that is used to define if the noun is specific or not. Articles are normally used before nouns and since they are used to speak about the noun, they can be considered as adjectives.

Look at how various dictionaries define an article to have a much clearer idea of what they are.

An article, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is defined as “any of a small set of words or affixes (such as a, an, and the) used with nouns to limit or give definiteness to the application.” According to the Collins Dictionary, “an article is a kind of determiner. In English, ‘a’ and ‘an’ are called the indefinite article, and ‘the’ is called the definite article.” The Macmillan Dictionary defines an article as “a type of determiner (=word used before a noun) that shows whether you are referring to a particular thing or to a general example of something. The indefinite article is ‘a’ or ‘an’ and the definite article is ‘the’.”

Types of Articles

There are three articles in English – ‘a’, ‘an’ and ‘the’. These articles are divided into two types namely:

Among the three articles, ‘the’ is said to be the definite article. A definite article is used to determine something that is specific or particular. It is also used before plural nouns and to indicate the superlative degree of comparison . Furthermore, it can be used before collective nouns as well.

For example:

• The Sun sets in the west.

In the above sentence, the nouns ‘Sun’ and ‘west’ are proper nouns and are specific and so the definite article has to be used.

• The children are playing cricket.

In the above sentence, the definite article is used to determine the plural noun, ‘children’.

• This is the world’s longest river.

In the above sentence, the definite article is used to denote the superlative degree of comparison.

• The crowd sang along with the band.

In the above sentence, the definite article is used before the collective nouns, ‘crowd’ and ‘band’.

The articles ‘an’ and ‘an’ are termed as indefinite articles. An indefinite article, as the name suggests, is used to indicate something that is not definite or specific. It can also be used before singular nouns .

Among the indefinite articles, ‘an’ is used before singular nouns that start with vowel sounds and ‘a’ is used before singular nouns that begin with consonant sounds.

• I had an apple for breakfast.
• Do you have an eraser?
• I saw an aeroplane.
• She has a pet dog.
• My father is a doctor.
• My brother gave me a calculator.

Articles are used extensively by English language users, and for this very reason, it is important to know where and where not to use them. In order to have a thorough knowledge of how to use the right articles in the right places, have a look at the following.

The article ‘an’ is normally used before words that begin with vowel sounds. However, this is often confused with the idea that it can be used before words that start with a vowel. Look at the examples given below to understand how this works.

• I have an umbrella.
• This is an orange.
• An elephant was crossing the road.

If you see here, the words ‘university’ and ‘unique’ start with a vowel. However, it does not have a vowel sound but a consonant sound ‘yu’ in the beginning. It is because of this reason that the indefinite article, ‘a’ is used instead of ‘an’.

• Studying in a university will give you a lot of exposure.
• This is a unique way of communicating with birds.

In the examples given below, ‘an’ is used before ‘MBA’ and ‘hour’ though they are words starting with consonants. This is because the word ‘MBA’ starts with ‘m’ which has a vowel sound (em) in the beginning. Likewise, the ‘h’ in the word ‘hour’ is silent, thus having a vowel sound in the beginning.

• I have completed an MBA degree.
• It took an hour to reach the airport.

Words starting with a vowel, but use ‘a’ instead of ‘an’:

Words starting with a consonant, but use ‘an’ instead of ‘a’.

There are also some cases in which you will have to use the indefinite article ‘the’ before a common noun . Look at the following set of sentences to understand how this works.

Example 1: My brother and I are going for a wedding reception. The reception is held in an open lawn at 7 p.m.

Example 2: I saw a dog at the end of the street. The dog came running to me.

Example 3: Tharun watched a movie yesterday. He felt that the movie was too slow.

Let us look at a few more examples to find out how articles can be used.

• The English teacher is absent today.
• I saw a bird sitting on the tree in front of my house.
• Not many know how to use an oven properly.
• Tom has a cat.
• We are going to buy a dress for our daughter.
• Carry an umbrella. I am sure it will rain.
• Keren found a puppy on the road.
• The parents have been asked to attend a meeting tomorrow.
• The committee has decided to bring down the fuel rates.
• Due to a hartal, the shops have been closed.

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate articles in the following sentences:

1. Have you watched ______ new movie?

2. I have never used ______ computer.

3. Do you know _____ multiplication tables?

4. Sandra brought ______ apple.

5. Madhu has ____ teddy bear.

6. ______ chairs are all broken.

7. The janitor asked ______ students to walk carefully as ______ floor was wet.

8. I have finished reading _____ book you lent me.

9. Hari is planning to buy ____ new car.

10. He has been waiting for ___ hour.

Check your answers.

1. Have you watched the new movie?

2. I have never used a computer.

3. Do you know the multiplication tables?

4. Sandra brought an apple.

5. Madhu has a teddy bear.

6. The chairs are all broken.

7. The janitor asked the students to walk carefully as the floor was wet.

8. I have finished reading the book you lent me.

9. Hari is planning to buy a new car.

10. He has been waiting for an hour.

What is an article?

What is the definition of an article.

An article, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is defined as “any of a small set of words or affixes (such as a, an, and the) used with nouns to limit or give definiteness to the application.” According to the Collins Dictionary, “an article is a kind of determiner. In English, ‘a’ and ‘an’ are called the indefinite article, and ‘the’ is called the definite article.” The Macmillan Dictionary defines an article as “a type of determiner (=word used before a noun) that shows whether you are referring to a particular thing or to a general example of something. The indefinite article is ‘a’ or ‘an’ and the definite article is ‘the’.”

What are the types of articles?

There are two types of articles in English and they are:

What is a definite article?

A definite article is used to determine something that is specific or particular. It is also used before plural nouns and to indicate the superlative degree of comparison. The article ‘the’ is the only definite article.

What is an indefinite article?

An indefinite article, as the name suggests, is used to indicate something that is not definite or specific. It can also be used before singular nouns. The articles ‘an’ and ‘an’ are termed as indefinite articles.

Give some examples of articles.

Here are a few examples to show you how articles can be used in sentences.

Why is it ‘a university’ and not ‘an university’?

The article ‘a’ is used before university because it does not have a vowel sound but a consonant sound ‘yu’ in the beginning.

Why is it ‘an MBA’ and not ‘a MBA’?

This is because the word ‘MBA’ starts with ‘m’ which is pronounced with a vowel sound (em) in the beginning.

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• Parts of Speech and Sentence Structure

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• the car down the street, the man next to you
• a book, an apple, a bottle
• the definite article the : You use it before a singular or a plural noun when you talk about one or more specific member(s) of a group (things, places or people) that is known to you: the tall man, the big house, the man next to me ;
• the indefinite articles a/an : You use them before a singular noun when you talk about any general thing : a line, a house, a kitchen, a person, an apple, an airport, an idea, an umbrella .
• You use the article a before nouns/adjectives or numbers that start with a consonant : a line, a kitchen, a person, a dog, a book, a tall man, a five-year-old boy, a job interview .
• You use the article an before nouns that start with a vowel : an apple, an idea, an umbrella, an egg, an hour, an eight-year-old girl, an interview .
• There is --- a an airport close to the city.  
• Do you have --- a an armchair in your room?  
• She has --- an a idea!  
• They have --- an a female English teacher.  
• He eats --- an a apple.  
• There is --- a an school around the corner.  
• She has --- an a new armchair.  
• We will give him --- a an book for his birthday.  
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• He works as pilot.  
• I need new TV.  
• He is best teacher at the school.  
• They have eight-year-old girl.  
• book she bought yesterday is not so good.  
• She is nicest girl I know.  
• She is nice girl.  
• city that she likes the most is New York City.  
• time  
• shop  
• adjective  
• elephant  
• umbrella  
• week  
• opinion  
• number  
• English book  
• example  
• door  
• table  
• eagle  
• bike  
• Michael says: "I have best friend. His name is Josh. He lives in small house outside the city. They have beautiful garden behind house. house is painted blue and there is fence around garden. I love going there. It's so nice and peaceful."  

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Parts of Speech – What is an Article?

What is an article.

While we typically use words such as “the,” “a,” and “an,” without giving them much thought, they actually have a special name, articles, and there are some very specific details that define when you use these words. 

What is an article, you ask?  Articles are a part of speech   used to express whether something is specific or unspecific. Still confused? Sit up, pay attention, and get ready for a grammar lesson.

Using “the”

This is the article that is used to define something specific.

For example:  “This is the house,” or “this is the new car.”

Used in this way, it presumes that the house or car were already previously mentioned and made known to the audience or reader. In other words, the article makes reference to a specific house and car, not a generic one. Because of this, “the,” is known as the definite article.

Using “a,” or “an”

Conversely, if the reader or audience has not been made aware of the subject, you would use “a,” or “an.” In these cases, the subject is unspecified, and as such these articles are known as the indefinite articles.

For example:  “This is a house,” or “this is a new car.”

Things to Remember

• For example, use “an” for both of these sentences: “We are going to an appointment.” “I will be there in an hour.”
• Articles precede adjectives (as shown above with “the new car” ).
• For example, you wouldn’t say “play me a music,” you would say, “ play me music,” or “play me some music.”
• Articles are not used with possessive adjectives or possessive nouns, such as my , yours , his or hers .

While you have been using these words for most of your life, now you can brush up on your article speaking skills and know just when (and when not!) to use each one!

Love learning about Language and Grammar? Check out our other posts on the subject, and make sure to play some Language quizzes on Sporcle!

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Home » Articles in English – Definition, Types, Rules, Uses & Examples

Articles in English – Definition, Types, Rules, Uses & Examples

Articles are small but essential words in English, used before nouns to indicate whether we are referring to something specific or general. Using articles correctly is crucial for clear communication, and whether you’re a beginner or advanced English learner, mastering them will significantly improve your writing and speaking skills. This guide will explain what articles are, their types, how to use them, and some common mistakes to avoid.

Table of Contents

What is an Article?

Articles— a , an , and the —are placed before nouns to specify whether the noun is being referred to in a general or specific way.

Indefinite Articles : “A” and “An” are indefinite articles used to refer to something non-specific.

• Example: I saw a cat. (refers to any cat, not a particular one)
• Example: She is an engineer. (“an” is used because “engineer” starts with a vowel sound)

Definite Article : “The” is used when talking about something specific or known to both the speaker and listener.

• Example: I saw the dog in the park. (refers to a specific dog, known to both speaker and listener)

Types of Articles

In English, there are two main types of articles:

Indefinite Articles: “A” and “An”

“A” and “An” are used with singular nouns to refer to something general or non-specific. The choice between “a” and “an” depends on the sound, not the spelling, of the word that follows.

• Example: I saw a car. (Any car, not a specific one)
• Example: She ate an apple. (“An” is used because “apple” starts with a vowel sound)

Definite Article: “The”

“The” is used when referring to something specific or something that both the speaker and listener are already familiar with.

• Example: The sun rises in the east. (There is only one sun, making it specific)
• Example: The cat is on the roof. (Refers to a particular cat and roof)

Zero Article

In some situations, no article is used, which is referred to as the “zero article.” This is commonly seen with:

Plural Nouns when used in a general sense:

• Example: Dogs are loyal animals. (refers to all dogs, not specific ones)

Uncountable Nouns in general statements:

• Example: I love music. (no article needed)

Proper Nouns like names of places or people:

• Example: Paris is beautiful. (no article before “Paris”)

Rules for Using Articles

Countable and uncountable nouns.

Articles are used with countable nouns (e.g., a cat , the book ).

Uncountable nouns (e.g., water , music ) do not typically take an article unless specified:

• Example: I need water. (general)
• Example: I need the water from the blue bottle. (specific)

Singular vs. Plural

• “A” and “An” are used with singular nouns.
• Example: The cars are parked. (plural)

Introducing vs. Referring Back

Use “a” or “an” when mentioning something for the first time. Use “the” when referring back to the same item later in the conversation.

• First mention: I bought a car.
• Referring back: The car is red.

Special Rules and Exceptions

Geographical Use

Use “the” with certain geographical features such as oceans, rivers, mountain ranges, and specific countries. For instance:

• The Pacific Ocean
• The Himalayas
• The United States

Superlatives and Ordinal Numbers

Use “the” when referring to superlative adjectives or ordinal numbers to indicate something unique or ranking:

• The tallest building
• The first prize

Adjectives Referring to Groups

“The” is often used with adjectives to refer to a group of people:

• The rich , The poor

Titles of Publications

Use “the” when referring to the names of newspapers and magazines:

• The New York Times , The National Geographic

Specific Uses of “A” and “An”

• Example: An honest person
• Example: An MBA graduate
• Example: He is a Canadian.
• Example: An FBI agent
• Example: A UFO sighting

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Articles in Grammar: Types, Useful Rules, List & Examples

Learn how to use English Articles (a, an, the) with useful grammar rules, and illustrate example sentences. When learning English grammar, you might have encountered the article. This article will guide you on what an article is, how it is used, and how to learn the rules surrounding it.

We are going to do this by exploring examples and exercises to grasp the nuanced use of articles within sentences. This way enhances your understanding of their functional role in English grammar .

What are articles? ‘a’, ‘an’, ‘the’

What is an article.

In English grammar, articles fall into two types: the definite article and the indefinite article. Articles, namely “the,” “an,” and “a,” serve as a way to of letting the speaker or listener, know whether a noun is specific or unspecific in the simplest terms.

Let’s illustrate the concept with examples:

• During a leisurely road trip, the family engaged in car games.

Using the definite article ‘the’ indicates a particular day and a specific family. Conversely, by altering the article, we convey a broader idea, no longer tied to a specific journey or family:

During a long journey, any family can enjoy playing car games. This simple change in the article transforms the sentence into a more general statement, removing the specificity of the situation or individuals involved.

Key points about articles:

• Articles, though small, play a crucial role in English.
• They function as adjectives, modifying nouns.
• Articles always precede the nouns they describe.
• There are just three articles in the English language: a, an, and the.

The two types of articles are indefinite (‘a’ and ‘an’) and definite (‘the’). It’s equally important to understand situations where articles are not used.

Unlike many languages, articles in grammar are a different part of speech and aren’t easily combined with other parts of speech.

Types Of Article: Definite Article, Indefinite Article

Definite article.

The definite article, represented by the word ‘ the ,’ limits the meaning of a noun to a particular thing. For instance, if your friend inquires, “Are you going to the school trip this weekend?” the definite article indicates a specific party known to both of you. This article can apply to singular, plural, or uncountable nouns. To simplify, ‘the’ is the definitive marker.

As demonstrated in previous examples, ‘the’ is employed to identify something specific rather than making a general statement. Whether with a plural, singular, or uncountable noun, the definite article seamlessly integrates.

Let’s explore some examples illustrating the use of the definite article within sentences:

• Kindly display the photo for me.
• May I view the blue dress? I am not fond of the red one.
• Will we be tuning in to the football game?
• I require the lengthy wire; it’s the only one that will reach the plug socket.

Indefinite Article

When we talk about the indefinite article, we mean the words ‘ a ‘ and ‘ an .’ The choice between them depends on the word that follows.

If the noun starts with a vowel, use ‘an.’ If it starts with a consonant, use ‘a.’ We use the indefinite article when we’re not talking about a specific thing or person, but rather something more general. Here are examples to illustrate articles in grammar:

• I want to read a book. Do you have a good one?
• I plan to watch a movie. I’m not sure which one yet.
• There’s an animal in the garden.
• Sally is working on an invention.

Examples: Using ‘a’ or ‘an’ Indefinite Articles

As highlighted, the rule is to use ‘a’ before words that start with a consonant sound and ‘an’ before words that begin with a vowel sound. This may be challenging because some words that start with consonants don’t have a consonant sound, and the same is true for some words that start with vowels.

For example, the word “honor” begins with a consonant letter but has an unpronounced consonant sound. Contrary to its written form, the word “honor” actually begins with a vowel sound. Therefore, we use ‘an.’ Consider the example sentence below to illustrate this concept.

Incorrect: My mother is a honest woman.

Correct : My mother is an honest woman.

Likewise, if a word starts with a vowel but is pronounced with a consonant sound, employ ‘a,’ as demonstrated in the example sentence below:

Incorrect: She is an United States senator.

Correct: She is a United States senator.

This rule also applies to acronyms and initialisms: an LCD display, a UK-based company, an HR department, a URL.

How to Utilize Definite and Indefinite Articles in English Grammar? (A, An, The)

Rules for using an article.

There are several rules governing the use of both definite and indefinite articles (notice the use of ‘a’ and ‘an’ in this sentence). Let’s examine these rules precisely to ensure accurate usage:

• The choice between ‘a’ and ‘an’ depends on whether the noun starts with a consonant or a vowel sound.
• Exceptions exist, such as the word ‘honour,’ where the initial consonant is unpronounced.
• Example: “Julia says it is an honour to meet the president.”
• Similarly, if a word starts with a vowel but is pronounced like a consonant, use ‘a.’
• Example: “John is a European scholar.”

When using a noun modified by an adjective, place the article before the adjective, corresponding to the adjective rather than the noun.

• Example with “igloo”: “The Inuit people traditionally lived in a large igloo.”
• Another example with “book”: “Last week I read an amazing book.”

The choice of the articles in grammar aligns with the adjective, even if the noun itself would typically take a different article.

When dealing with uncountable nouns (those that cannot be counted or are infinite/intangible, e.g., sand, wine, soda, air, information, etc.), avoid using the indefinite article. This is because the indefinite article is reserved for singular nouns. Instead, consider using words like ‘some’ when referring to uncountable nouns. Examples:

Incorrect:   “Please give the plant a water.”

The use of the indefinite article with an uncountable noun sounds incorrect.

Incorrect: “Please give the plant the water.”

Using the definite article implies a specific item, which may not be appropriate unless there is a particular bowl of water.

Correct: “Please give the plant some water.”

To refer to an uncountable noun like water, use the word ‘some’ instead of the indefinite or definite article.

Avoid using an article with a possessive pronoun; it does not make logical sense.

• Example: “Do you have her book?” (Omit the article when using a possessive pronoun.)

Omit the article when it’s unnecessary to specify the noun.

• Example: “I like to play football.”

Quick Note! Indefinite Articles (A, An) | Definite Article (The)

• Indefinite Article: Refers to any single person or thing.
• Definite Article: Specifies and identifies a particular person, place, or thing.

Determining Use:

• Indefinite Article: Based on the initial sound of the word.
• Definite Article: Used to refer to a noun already introduced or known.

Usage with Consonant:

• Indefinite Article: ‘A’ is used before words with a consonant sound.
• Definite Article: No

Usage with Vowel:

• Indefinite Article: You can use ‘An’ before words with a vowel sound.
• Indefinite Article: A usual, a student, a doctor, a hotel.
• Definite Article: An hour, an elephant, an actor, an ice-cream.

Answering Questions:

• Indefinite Article: ‘A’ answers ‘Which one?’ for unspecified nouns.
• Definite Article: ‘The’ answers ‘Which one?’ for specified nouns.

Introduction of Nouns:

• Indefinite Article: Introduces singular nouns without prior mention.
• Definite Article: Introduces nouns with a clear identity or mention.
• Indefinite Article: Used with singular nouns.
• Definite Article: Used with both singular and plural nouns.

When Not to Use an English Article (A, An, The)

Usage of countable and uncountable nouns with articles (a, an, the).

Learn how to use articles with countable and uncountable nouns in English.

Countable Nouns

Individual objects, people, places, etc., which can be counted. It is used when referring to things that can be enumerated.

Uncountable Nouns

Materials, concepts, information, etc., that you cannot count as individual objects. It is used when referring to things that are treated as a whole or are not quantifiable.

• information
• understanding

FAQs on Article

What is an article in grammar.

An article is a word preceding a noun, indicating its specificity or generality. Specific nouns use “the,” while general nouns use “a” (or “an” before a vowel sound).

What is the difference between definite and indefinite articles?

Definite articles specify while indefinite articles generalize. “The” is known as a definite article, and “a/an” is indefinite.

What is one example of an article in grammar?

Example: In grammar, “the hammer” refers to a specific one, while “a hammer” refers to any.

When is it inappropriate to use articles?

Avoid using indefinite articles with uncountable nouns or any article with a possessive pronoun. Certain nouns like nationalities, school subjects, and sports often omit articles, especially when conveying general or abstract ideas.

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What are Definite, Indefinite Articles? Definition, Examples of English Articles

Home » The Writer’s Dictionary » What are Definite, Indefinite Articles? Definition, Examples of English Articles

Definite and indefinite articles are parts of speech referring to the terms “the,” “a,” and “an.”

Definite articles definition: a determiner (the) that introduces specific nouns and noun phrases.

Indefinite articles definition: a determiner (a, an) that introduces nonspecific nouns and noun phrases.

What is an Article?

What is a definite article? A definite article is a part of speech that identifies a specific noun . “The” is the only definite article.

Placing “the” before a noun makes it specific. In order to say “the book,” the audience has to know to what book you are referring.

What is an indefinite article? An indefinite article is a part of speech that identifies a nonspecific noun. “A” and “an” are the only indefinite articles.

Placing “a” or “an” before a noun makes it nonspecific. To say “a book” refers to any book, not a single specific book.

• a cow (nonspecific—could be any cow)
• the cow (specific—referring to a particular cow)
• an animal (nonspecific—could be any animal)
• the animal (specific—referring to a particular animal)

Two Types of Articles: Definite and Indefinite Articles

The definite article.

The definite article is “the.” “The” refers to a particular noun that is understood. The audience is aware of the object of reference and no further identification is needed.

• the chair, the city, the manager
• the chairs, the cities, the managers
• the boxes, the towns, the women
• the food, the luggage, the electricity

The Indefinite Article

The indefinite article is “a” / “an” “A” and “an” refer to nonspecific nouns. The object of reference is not clear and further identification would be needed to know the exact object.

Indefinite Article Examples:

• a chair, a city, a manager
• plural—CANNOT BE USED
• a box, a town, a woman
• non-count—CANNOT BE USED

A vs. An: Remember A/An Depends on Sound

Which indefinite article to use (“a” or “an”), depends on the initial sound of the noun.

• A few days after Britain voted to leave the European Union, Monika Baginski was in a supermarket , chatting with a friend on the phone in her native Polish, when a man followed her down the aisle. – The New York Times

When to use An: If the initial sound of the noun when pronounced is a vowel sound, “an” is used.

• A catchy soundtrack used to be enough, but the 21st century needs an app to publicize shark activity near New England’s coasts. – The Christian Science Monitor

Exercises with Articles: Indefinite vs. Definite Articles

Select the appropriate article (a, an, the) and fill-in the blank below.

• Do you have ___ different table available?
• He was searching for ____ right word to describe the situation.
• This is ___ last time I will remind you to do your chores.
• Braxten brought ___ apricot, ___ sandwich, and ____ cookie for lunch.
• My mom demanded ____ explanation.

See answers below.

Articles and Proper Nouns

Use Articles With:

• the Smith Family, the Jones Family
• the United Kingdom, the United States, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, the Canary Islands,
• the Rocky Mountains, the Amazon, the Atlantic Ocean
• the New York Times , the Red Cross, the Hyatt, the Capitol Building

Summary: What are Definite and Indefinite Articles in English?

Define definite article: The definition of a definite article is a determiner (the) used to identify a specific noun or noun phrase.

Define indefinite article: The definition of an indefinite article is a determiner (a, an) used to identify a nonspecific noun or noun phrase

In summary, articles can be definite or indefinite.

When to use the: Use a definite article (the) when the noun is a known entity.

When to use a, an: Use indefinite articles (a/an) when the noun is an unknown entity.