What is an Article in English Grammar

Souvik May 26, 2020

What is an Article in English Grammar?

An articles is an adjective as an article always qualifies a noun.

They are also known as little adjectives.
Articles are divided into two –

1. Indefinite article – a, an.
2. Definite article – the.

There must be an article before a singular common noun, for, the sense is incomplete without the article.
Ex -
Cow gives us milk. -this sentence doesn’t give any sense properly, we have to put an article before the noun.
A cow gives us milk. (Correct)
The cow gives us milk. (correct)

See Singular number

Similarly, the correct way of writing a common noun in a sentence should be like -

A – a man, a boy, a girl, a cat, a cow, a tiger, a monkey.
An – An apple, an egg, an eagle, an island, an owl, an umbrella.
The – The man, the boy, the girl, the sun, the earth, the moon.

We have learnt when we should use articles to make proper meaning. But in many cases articles are not used. Let's see...

Read the use of A, An, and the.

Where not to use articles:

Before a proper noun:

We should not use the before the name of a street/ city/country/continent/island:
New York, Kolkata, Dhaka, America, India, Bangladesh, Asia, Europe.
Before the common noun 'man', if is signifies the human race.
Man is mortal. Man is the maker of his own fortune.

Before the words breakfast, dinner etc:

Buy some breads for breakfast.
Dinner will be at 10 o’clock. (At own house)
I am invited for a dinner. (At other place).

Before the words which signify close relationship or affection:

Eg. Father, mother, sister, brother, uncle, aunt etc. Cook, nurse etc.
Uncle went to the shop.
Sister is busy on her mobile phone. (We can use my before them.)
Cook is in the kitchen.

Before seasons:

Winter is coming. Summer is pleasant in England.

Before festivals:

Christmas was celebrated in a befitting manner.

Before a material noun or an abstract noun:

Iron is mostly used in manufacturing vehicles.
Honesty is the best policy.

Read the use of:
Indefinite article – a, an. And
Definite article – the.

Thank you...

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What is an Article in English Grammar