Articles in English grammar are small but powerful words. They come before nouns and show whether a noun is specific or non-specific.

In English, there are two types of articles:

Indefinite Articles (a, an)
Definite Article (the)

Let’s look at how to use each article correctly with rules, examples, and common mistakes to avoid.

Indefinite Articles in English Grammar

The indefinite articles are “a” and “an.” They are used with non-specific nouns—things that are not known to the listener.

Examples of Indefinite Articles

a book
a laptop
a company
a holiday
an apple
an emergency
an obstacle
an ice-cream
an umbrella

Rule for Indefinite Articles

Use “a” before words that begin with a consonant sound.
Use “an” before words that begin with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).

Exception: The Letter “U”

The letter U can sound like uh or you.

Use “an” if U sounds like uh:
- an umbrella
- an underground train
- an uncle
Use “a” if U sounds like you:
- a university
- a unicorn
- a uniform

The Definite Article in English Grammar

The definite article is “the.” It is used with specific nouns—things that the speaker and listener both know.

Examples of the Definite Article

the umbrella
the book
the monkey
the school

Example Sentences with “a,” “an,” and “the”

I want to study a language. The language I want to study is English.
- “a language” introduces a new noun.
- “the language” refers to the specific one.
I went to an English language school in Tokyo. I really enjoyed studying at the school. However, the school was far from my home, so I decided to go to a school closer to my house.
- Start with “an English language school” (non-specific).
- Then use “the school” (specific, already mentioned).
- Later, “a school closer to my house” introduces a new one.

Key Grammar Rules for Articles in English Grammar

Use a/an for nouns mentioned for the first time.
Use the for nouns already known to the reader or listener.
Choose a or an based on sound, not just the first letter.
Be careful with exceptions like university (a university) vs. umbrella (an umbrella).

Frequently Asked Questions About Articles in English Grammar

1. What are the 3 articles in English?

The three articles in English grammar are a, an, and the.

2. When do we use the definite article “the”?

Use “the” when talking about something specific or already known. Example: I bought a book. The book is on the table.

3. When do we use the indefinite articles “a” and “an”?

Use “a” before words that begin with consonant sounds (a dog, a car).
Use “an” before words that begin with vowel sounds (an apple, an hour).

4. What is the difference between definite and indefinite articles?

Definite article (“the”) = refers to something specific.
Indefinite articles (“a, an”) = refer to something general or non-specific.

5. Can a noun appear without an article?

Yes. Some nouns do not need an article, especially uncountable nouns (water, information, advice) or plural nouns when speaking generally (I like cats).

✅ Mastering articles is one of the foundations of English grammar. Once you understand the difference between a, an, and the, your writing and speaking will become much clearer.

👉 For more lessons, check out our full English Grammar Guide.