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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIn this blog, we will discuss this important part of speech<\/strong> along with its different types. Moreover, we will explore how it is used with other elements of language. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Merriam-Webster, an article is \u201cany of a small set of words or affixes (such as a, an<\/em>, and the<\/em>) used with nouns to limit or give definiteness to the application.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In English grammar<\/a>, an article is a word that comes before a noun to determine whether the noun is specific or general. In simpler terms, articles tell us if we are referring to something definite (Unique like the <\/strong>sun) or indefinite (one of many possible things like a<\/strong> chair).\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Articles in English are divided into two categories: definite and indefinite. Each type has its role in clarifying the meaning of a noun<\/a>. Let\u2019s take a closer look at how they work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The word \u201cthe\u201d is the definite article in grammar<\/a>. When we use “the,” we refer to something specific that the listener or reader already knows. For example, if you say, \u201cthe car is parked outside,\u201d you are talking about a particular car. The person you are speaking to knows precisely which car is referred to. This article singles out one thing from a group or crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some examples of definite articles are given below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, \u201ca\u201d and \u201can\u201d are indefinite articles in English. These articles are used when discussing something that has not been specifically identified yet. If you say, \u201cI saw a bird,\u201d you are not pointing to a particular bird. It could be any bird; the listener doesn\u2019t need to know exactly which one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The difference between \u201ca\u201d and \u201can\u201d is simple. \u201ca\u201d is used before words that start with a consonant sound, and \u201can\u201d is used before words that start with a vowel sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, we say, \u201ca cat,\u201d but \u201can apple<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every noun starting with a vowel alphabet will precede the article \u2018an\u2019. But they use \u2018a\u2019 instead of \u2018an\u2019 like university, unique, uniform, unit, utensil, eucalyptus, UFO, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, words starting with a consonant use the article \u2018an\u2019 instead of \u2018a\u2019. This rule only applies to words that start with a vowel sound like hour, honor, X-ray, MBA, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The usage of articles often depends on some words that come before or after the noun. Here is a breakdown of how to use articles in various scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Articles are not used with possessive pronouns<\/a>. Words like my, his, her, its, our, and their; are used to identify the specificity of things like articles. However, if both possessive pronouns and articles are used together, the context will be confusing and vague. You can find out in the example below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incorrect:<\/strong> Why are you sitting in the her room without permission?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018The\u2019 and \u2018her\u2019 should not be used together because both have the same purpose; identifying a noun. You can choose one of them depending on the meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Correct:<\/strong> Why are you sitting in the room without permission? Uncountable nouns are impossible to count and they have the same singular and plural form. It comprises a collection of things or homogeneous substances. They are primarily written in a singular form because they cannot be separated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The articles \u201ca\u201d & \u201can\u201d are not used with uncountable nouns because they refer to things that cannot be counted or divided. They are used with adjectives like \u201csome,\u201d \u201cfew,\u201d and \u201clittle.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s consider some examples for reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incorrect:<\/strong> Please give me a milk. Milk is an uncountable noun and should not be used with the indefinite article. But, if you define milk as a countable unit (like a glass), you can use the indefinite article to modify it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is another example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incorrect:<\/strong> Can you cook a rice for me? Remember, some nouns can be both countable and uncountable simultaneously. In this situation, you can use the article according to the situation. Such nouns include time, gear, art, hair, light, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Correct:<\/strong> She found a hair in the food at the Diner. The word order for a sentence is article + adjective + noun, for example, \u201ca yellow flower.\u201d Here, the article is modifying the noun, which is specified by the adjective<\/a>. You have to follow one rule for using an article before the adjective. If an indefinite article is required, it will be used according to the word that is used right after. Definite articles can be used as it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These examples show that the word before the noun decides which indefinite article will be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDefinition of Article<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Types of Articles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Definite Article<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Indefinite Articles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Usage of Article<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With Pronoun<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Correct:<\/strong> Why are you sitting in her room without permission?<\/p>\n\n\n\nWith Uncountable Nouns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Correct:<\/strong> Please give me some milk.
Correct:<\/strong> Please give me a glass of milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Correct:<\/strong> Can you cook a bowl of rice for me?
Correct:<\/strong> Can you cook some rice for me?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Correct:<\/strong> My sister has brunette hair but I am blonde.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWith Adjectives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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With Idiomatic Expressions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n