English grammar: Articles

What this grammar point covers

Articles are small words used before nouns in English. They help show if you are talking about something specific or something general.

When to use it

Use 'a' or 'an' when talking about something for the first time or something not specific. Use 'the' when talking about something specific or already known.

Key forms

• 'a' (before words starting with a consonant sound): a cat
• 'an' (before words starting with a vowel sound): an apple
• 'the' (for specific things): the book

Examples

Tips

• Use 'a' before words that begin with a consonant sound (a car, a house).
• Use 'an' before words that begin with a vowel sound (an egg, an hour).
• Do not use articles with most plural or uncountable nouns when talking in general (e.g., 'Dogs are friendly.').

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some words start with a silent 'h', so use 'an' (an hour).
• Some words start with a vowel letter but have a consonant sound, so use 'a' (a university).