Articles
Definite, Indefinite & Zero Articles
Presented by Harshad Sir
What Are Articles?
Articles are small but powerful words that
precede nouns to indicate whether the noun
refers to something specific or general.
Articles are like signposts that help readers
understand exactly which person, place, or
thing you're talking about.
Using the correct article can completely
change the meaning of your sentence!
Types of Articles in English
1 2 3
Definite Article Indefinite Articles Zero Article
The word "the" is used when The words "a" and "an" are Sometimes no article is used
referring to something used when referring to non- before a noun, especially with
specific that both the speaker specific items or when plural nouns, uncountable
and listener can identify. mentioning something for the nouns, and some proper
Example: The book on the first time. nouns.
table is mine. Example: I need a pen. I saw Example: Children like
an elephant. candy. Russia is a large
country.
Indefinite Articles: A vs An
A - Used before consonant sounds An - Used before vowel sounds
• a book • an apple
• a desk • an elephant
• a student • an hour (silent 'h')
• a university (sounds like "yoo") • an MBA (sounds like "em")
• a one-way street (sounds like "won") • an honest person (silent 'h')
Remember: It's the sound, not the spelling, that determines which article to use!
Common Confusions with A vs An
Focus on Sound, Not Spelling
The choice between "a" and "an" depends on
pronunciation, not how a word is written.
Words Starting with 'H'
Use "an" before words with silent 'h': an hour, an honor, an heir
Use "a" before pronounced 'h': a house, a horse, a history book
Abbreviations & Acronyms
Use "an" for abbreviations that begin with vowel
sounds: an FBI agent (sounds like "ef"), an MBA degree
Use "a" for those with consonant sounds: a UN
representative (sounds like "yoo"), a NASA scientist
The Definite Article: "The"
Specific Reference Unique Nouns
Used when both speaker and listener Used with nouns that are one of a kind:
know exactly what is being referred to: • The sun is very bright today.
• Please close the door. (specific door) • The Earth orbits the Moon.
• I enjoyed the book you recommended.
(specific book)
Superlatives Geographic Features
Used with superlative adjectives: Used with many geographic features:
• She's the tallest girl in her class. • The Amazon River, the Pacific Ocean
• This is the best restaurant in town. • The Alps, the United States
Zero Article: When No Article Is Used
We use no article with:
1. Most proper nouns John lives in __ London. I study
at __ Harvard.
2. Plural countable nouns (general statements) __
Dogs make good pets. __ Students need to study.
3. Uncountable nouns (general references) __ Water is
essential for life. __ Music helps me relax.
4. Languages and academic subjects She speaks __
French. He studies __ mathematics.
5. Meals, games, and sports We eat __ breakfast at
7:00. They play __ basketball.
Usage Rules Summary
Article Type When to Use Examples
A/An (Indefinite) • First mention of singular I saw a movie.She is an
countable nouns• Referring to engineer.Can I have an apple?
any member of a group•
Referring to occupations
The (Definite) • Specific references• Second The movie was great.The sun
mentions• Unique items• is bright.The fastest runner
Superlatives won.
Zero (No Article) • Most proper nouns• General __ Tokyo is in __ Japan.__
plural nouns• Uncountable Dogs bark.__ Love is
nouns• Abstract concepts important.__ Coffee keeps me
awake.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Overusing "the" Confusing sounds vs. spelling
✗ I like the dogs. (general statement) ✗ An university, a hour
✓ I like dogs. (correct for general statement) ✓ A university (sounds like "yoo"), an hour (silent 'h')
✓ I like the dogs in this park. (specific dogs)
Forgetting articles Using articles with proper nouns
✗ Give me pen. I saw movie yesterday. ✗ The John went to the France.
✓ Give me a pen. I saw a movie yesterday. ✓ John went to France.
But: ✓ The United States, the Philippines
Tip: When in doubt, think about whether you're referring to something specific (the) or general (a/an or zero).
Practice Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the correct article (a, an, the) or use Ø for zero article:
Set 1 Set 2 Set 3
1. She plays ____ piano every day. 1. ____ Eiffel Tower is in ____ Paris. 1. ____ book you lent me was interesting.
2. I need ____ umbrella because it's 2. My father is ____ engineer. 2. ____ dogs need exercise every day.
raining. 3. We had ____ dinner at 7 PM. 3. She gave me ____ useful advice.
3. ____ happiness is important in life.
Homework: Write 5 sentences using each type of article (indefinite, definite, and zero).
Identify why each article is used in your sentences.
