Correct Usage of Articles

One of the most common problems of English speakers and writers is articles, or should I say the correct usage of articles. Well, this is just based on my own observation. I just said this because of what I've heard and read.

By the way, what is an article? Article is a word used with a noun to show the type of reference being made by the noun. Meaning to say, it indicates whether a noun is something particular or a just a general example.

Articles are divided into two groups, the definite and indefinite articles. The definite article is used with a noun that is known to both speakers and listeners or writers and readers. This kind of noun may also be something already mentioned or uniquely specified by the speaker or writer. "The" is considered the definite article. It can be used for both singular and plural nouns.

The school behind my house is owned by Mr. Williams.

The school mentioned in the sentence is considered specific. It is not a general noun, but something that is known to both parties. The school here is uniquely specified as "behind my house." Thus, "the", not "a", is the article to be used for it.

An indefinite article is used with a noun that is not specific or not known to the listener or the reader. It may also be something the speaker or writer mentioned for the first time. "A" and "an" are indefinite articles. They are only used for singular nouns.

Again, Indefinite articles are for singular nouns only. "A" is used before a singular countable noun that starts with a consonant sound. Take note, consonant sound, not letter.

a book

a pen

a unicorn
a very big house

"An", on the other hand, is used before a singular countable noun that starts with a vowel sound.

an umbrella

an hour

an honest man

I am used to telling my students never to leave a singular countable noun alone, unless it's a general noun.

Click here to know about the correct usage of the article the.