Articles

Articles are small words that come before nouns. The three articles are a, an, and the.

What You'll Learn

• When to use "a" or "an" before a noun
• When to use "the" before a noun

When to Use

1. Something new: "I see a bird." (any bird, not one special bird)
2. Something we both know: "Close the door." (we both know which door)
3. Before a vowel sound: "She eats an egg."

How to Form

Use "a" or "an" when you talk about any one thing. Use "the" when you talk about one special thing.

Key Rules

1. Use "a" before consonant sounds: "a boy", "a dog", "a fish". Most words that start with b, c, d, f, g and other consonants use "a".
2. Use "an" before vowel sounds: "an ant", "an ice cream", "an umbrella". Words that start with a, e, i, o, u usually use "an".
3. Use "the" for something special: If there is only one, or if we already know which one, use "the". "The moon is bright." There is only one moon.

Common Mistakes

Clue Words

Use "a" or "an" when:

You are talking about any one thing, not a special one

• "I want a drink."
• "She drew an owl."

Use "the" when:

You and the listener both know which one

• "Open the window."
• "Feed the cat."

Tip: Say the word out loud. If it starts with an a, e, i, o, or u sound, use "an". If not, use "a". If you both know which one, use "the".

Practice Tips

1. Listen to the first sound: Say the noun out loud. Does it start with a vowel sound? Pick "an". Does it start with a consonant sound? Pick "a".
2. Ask "which one?": If you can answer "which one?", use "the". If it is just any one, use "a" or "an".

Quick Reference