Definite and Indefinite Articles: The & A/An

What are Definite and Indefinite Articles?

Articles are teensy words that tell if a noun is specific or general. Because they modify nouns, articles are adjectives, too. In fact, they are the most commonly used adjectives. The two articles of the English language are: the and a/an. They are known as definite and indefinite articles.

Also called the definite article, the refers to specific or particular nouns. In contrast, a/an or the indefinite article refers to non-specific or general nouns. Here’s an example of their use:

• Mark bought the bike. 
  The definite article the implies that Mark bought one specific bike that the speaker and Mark know about.

• Mark bought a bike.
  Here, the indefinite article a refers to any bike in general; no specifics implied. 

Let’s delve into these two articles more. 

The Definite Article: The

The is the definite article. It is used to point to a specific or particular noun. For instance, in the sentence, “Please hand me the remote,” the speaker is talking about a particular remote that is probably near the listener. There can be many remotes around them, but the speaker is referring to that one remote. 

The definite article the modifies specific (particular) singular and plural nouns. In short, the denotes that the noun is definite. Here are a few examples:

• We never saw the kind lady who looks like granny again. [The sentence refers to a particular kind lady who looks like granny.]
• The rowdy kindergartners are running toward the playground. [Even if we don’t know where that playground is and who those kids are, we know that the sentence refers to a specific group of rowdy kindergartners and a particular playground.]

The is also used in the second mention of a noun. For example:

• We sent out a bunch of handouts to boost campaign engagement. Cecile designed the handouts. [Although not specific in the first sentence, the definite article is used in the second sentence to refer to the same handouts being handed out for the campaign.]

The Definite Article with Noncount Nouns

Besides singular and plural nouns, the is also used with noncount nouns – items, ideas, or qualities that cannot be counted. Examples of noncount nouns are intangible things (e.g. love, pollution, health), liquid (e.g. juice, water), food (e.g. butter, meat), and things that are impossible to count (e.g. pepper, sugar, sand). Here are some sentences using the with specific noncount nouns (italicized). 

• She always prays for the health and safety of her family. [This sentence talks about specific count nouns which are health and safety. Thus, the is used.]
• He drank the coffee from last night. [Some specific coffee]
• He drinks more coffee than water. [This talks about coffee and water in general; no need for articles]

NOTE: As in the last example above, do not use the if you’re talking about a count noun in general. For instance, “Health is wealth” doesn’t need the in front of health.

The Definite Article with Proper Nouns

Use the definite article the in most specific nouns, such as:

• Names of rivers, oceans, and seas: The Atlantic Ocean, The Yellow River, The Dead Sea
• Countries that have plural names; states; kingdoms: The Philippines, The United Arab Emirates, The Bahamas, The Maldives, The United States
• Names of newspapers: The New York Times, The Guardian
• Names of famous places, artworks, monuments: The Statue of Liberty, The Starry Night, The White House

The Indefinite Article: A/An

The indefinite article a/an defines non-specific, singular nouns. It says that the noun is indefinite. A is used with nouns that begin with a vowel sound, while an is used with nouns that begin with a consonant sound. Here are a few examples:

• An animal should not be caged in a zoo. [This sentence talks about any animal.]
• She is painting about a dream she had years ago. [This refers to a non-specific dream she had years ago. She’s had many dreams, but this non-particular one is what she paints about.]

A vs. An: When to Use

The use of a/an depends on the sound of the noun’s beginning sound when pronounced, not its first letter. The same rule applies to acronyms and initialisms. 

• It’s an honor to be your friend. [honor begins with h, but the word is pronounced beginning with an “o” sound.]
• He rented a helicopter for the trip. [Here, helicopter is pronounced as spelled.]
• Coco wants a ukulele for Christmas. [Ukulele begins with a “yoo” sound, so a is used.]

More examples: a unicycle; an hour; a uniform; an MBA diploma; a U.S. citizen; a Unicorn.

When another word precedes the noun (e.g. adjective), the article a/an should depend on the sound of that word. For instance: a sweet apple; a lightning rod; an obvious lie; an honest man.

Related Reading: Onomatopoeia – A Word that Mimics a Sound

The Indefinite Article with Noncount Nouns

The indefinite article a/an can only be used with singular count nouns – nouns that can be counted. Unlike the, a/an cannot be used with noncount nouns.

Wrong: I need a water. 
Instead of joining the indefinite article with noncount nouns, use words like some, bottle, glass, bag, etc. to define noncount nouns.
Correct: I need a glass of water.

Here are more sentences with the indefinite article describing noncount nouns (italicized) using countable units (boldened).

• He left a bag of money at the restaurant. [non-specific bag of money]
• We need a piece of equipment to fix the roof. [non-specific equipment]

When Definite and Indefinite Articles are Not Needed

Here are some nouns that do not need an article:

• Abstract ideas or noncount nouns: excellence, perseverance, creativity, breakfast, education, war, information, poverty, research

NOTE: Use the definite article with abstract nouns when you’re referring to one specific concept, for example: “Poor children don’t get the education they deserve.” Otherwise, don’t use any article with abstract ideas. 

• Names of sports: golf, swimming, badminton, soccer, basketball
• Academic subjects: Mathematics, Physics, History, Literature
• Names of most countries, cities, continents, streets: New York City, South Africa, Baker Street, Taiwan, Singapore, Elm Street, Chicago
• Names of languages and nationalities: Canadian, English, Irish, Filipino, Chinese

NOTE: When you’re referring to the people of the nation, use the definite article, for instance: “The Chinese believe in Yin Yang.”

Exercise: Definite and Indefinite Articles

Fill in each blank with the correct article (the, a/an).

1. We watched ___ horrific movie last weekend. [non-specific]
2. ___ Sputnik V is ___ Covid-19 vaccine developed in Russia. It gives 92% protection against ___ virus. 
3. Is ___ pint of beer enough for both of us? 
4. She is ___ ADHD patient in my daughter’s clinic. 
5. Our teacher gave us ___ oral exam without ___ heads-up. She said ___ scores will be posted later.

Answers. 

1. We watched a horrific movie last weekend.
2. The Sputnik V is a Covid-19 vaccine developed in Russia. It gives 92% protection against the virus. 
3. Is a pint of beer enough for both of us? 
4. She is an ADHD patient in my daughter’s clinic. 
5. Our teacher gave us an oral exam without a heads-up. She said the scores will be posted later.

Thank you for reading. We hope it’s effective! Always feel free to revisit this page if you ever have any questions about definite and indefinite articles.

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