📘 Articles in English Grammar

Articles are words used before nouns to define whether something is specific or general. In English, there are three articles:

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✅ 1. Definite Article: the

• Used when referring to something specific or already known to the speaker and listener.

• Example:

  • The sun is bright. (We know which sun.)

  • I saw the movie you recommended. (A specific movie.)

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✅ 2. Indefinite Articles: a and an

Used when referring to something not specific or not known to the listener.

🔹 a

• Used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

• Example:

  • a cat, a university (Note: "university" starts with a "you" sound — a consonant sound.)

🔹 an

• Used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

• Example:

  • an apple, an hour (Note: "hour" is silent 'h', so it begins with a vowel sound.)

    ❗ Special Notes:

  • We don’t use any article with plural or uncountable nouns when speaking in general:

    • Cars are useful. (Not "The cars")

    • Milk is good for you. (Not "The milk" when speaking generally)

  • But use "the" if talking about specific ones:

    • The cars outside are mine.

    • The milk in the fridge is cold

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