📘 Articles (a, an, the)

Articles are used before nouns to show if we are talking about something specific or general.

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1️⃣ Types of Articles

Article	Use	Example
a	Used before singular, countable nouns starting with a consonant sound (nonspecific)	a cat, a book
an	Used before singular, countable nouns starting with a vowel sound (nonspecific)	an apple, an hour
the	Used before specific nouns (singular or plural) known to the speaker and listener	the cat, the books

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2️⃣ Examples in Sentences

• I saw a dog in the park. (any dog, not specific)
• She ate an orange for breakfast. (any orange, vowel sound)
• The dog was very friendly. (a specific dog)
• Please close the door. (a specific door)
• I need a pen. (any pen)

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3️⃣ Important Notes

• Use “a” or “an” only with singular countable nouns.
• Use “the” with singular/plural nouns when the listener knows which one(s) you mean.

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📝 Practice

Fill in the blanks with a, an, or the:

1. I want ___ apple.
2. She has ___ cat and ___ dog.
3. ___ sun is shining today.
4. He bought ___ umbrella yesterday.
5. There is ___ book on the table.