Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific. In English, we have three articles:

  1. Definite article:

    • the → used for specific nouns.

  2. Indefinite articles:

    • a → used before singular nouns beginning with a consonant sound.

    • an → used before singular nouns beginning with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).

🔹 1. Definite Article – The

We use the when talking about something particular or already known.

✅ Examples:

  • The sun rises in the east.

  • I saw the boy who lives next door.

  • Please close the door.

🔹 2. Indefinite Articles – A / An

We use a or an when talking about something not specific or mentioned for the first time.

  • A → before consonant sounds.

  • An → before vowel sounds.

✅ Examples:

  • I saw a dog in the park. (any dog, not a specific one)

  • She bought an apple. (any apple, not a specific one)

  • He wants to be an engineer.

⚡ Note: It’s about sound, not just spelling.

  • An honest man (because “h” is silent → sounds like a vowel).

  • A university (because “u” sounds like “yoo,” a consonant sound).

🔹 3. Zero Article (No Article)

Sometimes, no article is used:

  • Before plural nouns (general sense):

    • Dogs are friendly animals.

  • Before uncountable nouns (general sense):

    • Milk is good for health.

  • Before proper nouns:

    • Pakistan is a beautiful country.

🧠 Quick Rules:

  1. Use the → for specific or unique things.

  2. Use a / an → for non-specific, singular, countable nouns.

  3. Use no article → for general ideas, plural nouns, uncountables, and proper nouns.