To build sentences, you need to know the names of things—these are called nouns. To be clear, we use small words called articles (`a`, `an`, `the`) in front of them. Mastering nouns and articles is the first step to describing the world around you! 🌎
Function & Usage
We use nouns and articles together to identify people, places, and things.
- Nouns: A noun is a word for a person (teacher, Maria), a place (school, city), or a thing (book, idea).
- Indefinite Articles (a/an): Use `a` or `an` to talk about one general, non-specific thing.
Example: “I need a pencil.” (Any pencil is okay). - Definite Article (the): Use `the` to talk about a specific thing that you and the listener both know.
Example: “Can you pass me the pencil on your desk?” (We both see that specific pencil).
The Structure (Form)
The rules for choosing the correct article are simple and based on sound.
| Article | Rule | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| a | Use before a word that starts with a consonant sound. | a book, a car, a university |
| an | Use before a word that starts with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u). | an apple, an elephant, an hour |
| the | Use before a specific singular or plural noun. | the car, the apples, the teacher |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing `a` and `an`: The rule is about sound, not spelling. “Hour” starts with ‘h’ but has a vowel sound, so it’s “an hour.” “University” starts with ‘u’ but has a consonant sound, so it’s “a university.”
- Using `a/an` with plural nouns: `A/An` always means “one.” Incorrect: “I see a cats.” Correct: “I see cats” or “I see a cat.”
- Forgetting the article: A singular, countable noun usually needs an article. Incorrect: “She is doctor.” Correct: “She is a doctor.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Person A: I’m hungry. Is there anything to eat?
Person B: Yes, there is an apple and a banana in the kitchen. Which one do you want?
Person A: I’ll take the apple, thanks!
Parent: What did you do at school today?
Child: We read a book about an elephant. The book was very funny!
Person A: Let’s watch a movie.
Person B: Good idea. I’ll check what’s on TV.
Person A: No, I mean the movie we bought yesterday.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. I see bird in the tree.
2. She is excellent student.
3. sun is very bright today.
4. He has new computer.
5. This is interesting story.
6. I need to buy ___ umbrella.
7. Can you pass me ___ salt, please?
8. He is ___ doctor.
9. My father is ___ honest man.
10. I live in ___ apartment. ___ apartment is small.
