ESL Grammar Course
A1: Beginner
Articles & Nouns
Nouns are words for people, places, or things. Articles (`a`, `an`, `the`) are small words that come before nouns to specify if we are talking about a general thing or a specific one.
Scope & Content:
- Indefinite Articles `a/an`: For general, singular nouns.
- Definite Article `the`: For specific, singular or plural nouns.
- Singular & Plural Nouns: Regular plural form with `-s`.
⚠️ Attention: Common Challenges
1. `A` vs. `An`: Use `a` before a consonant sound. Use `an` before a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).
- “A car”, “a book”, “a university” (starts with ‘y’ sound)
- “An apple”, “an elephant”, “an hour” (the ‘h’ is silent)
2. General vs. Specific (`a/an` vs. `the`): Use `a/an` for the first time you mention something. Use `the` when you mention it again, or when it’s clear which one you mean.
- “I have a dog. The dog is friendly.”
- “Please open the door.” (We both know which door.)
3. Zero Article (No Article): Do not use `the` when talking about general concepts, ideas, or plural nouns in a general sense.
- Correct: “I like music.” (Incorrect:
I like the music.) - Correct: “Dogs are great pets.” (Incorrect:
The dogs are great pets.)