Articles: Types and Uses



In this post we will learn what are Articles, how to use its, when to use tis, and how many types are they.

What Are Articles?

Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific.

There are three types of articles.

A, an, the

Articles: the before general concepts

We use the before nouns which describe a general type of thing rather than a specific example of that thing:

  • Nature is the best physician.
  • The boy sitting next to me raised his hand.
  • Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan.
  • Thank you for the advice you gave me.
  • A barking sound the Shepherd hears.

The is also used before abstract nouns which describe a situation, a quality, process Or a change. These words are often followed by of something.

  • There is a problem with the availability of clean water in some villages.
  • He made a number of recommendations for the improvement of staff training.

We use the development / improvement, etc. of something to describe a general process of change, but developments / improvements, etc. in something to describe specific changes

  • There is a need for further improvement in our work.
  • By improving this work, we can develop our business

Articles: a/an before noun phrases

  • Use a before consonant sounds
  • Use an before vowel sounds

An elephant                                         a European

An ice-cream                                       a cat

An old man                                          a dog

An onion                                              a boy

An interesting book                              a tree

Don’t forget to include a/an before an adjective + singular noun combination.

  • That was an excellent meal.
  • There came a cat to my door.
  • Kolkata is a big city.
  • India won by an innings and three runs.
  • He died a glorious death.
  • That’s an amazing bit of news.

Notice the position of adverbs (very, really, quite, etc.) in these phrases:

  • His family is very poor.
  • This flower is very beautiful.
  • You both are really good friends.
  • Are you really a soldier?
  • This question is quite difficult.
  • In my view, this is quite a strong argument.

Some common noun phrases to be careful with:

To a certain extent / degree:

• I agree with you to a certain degree.

A wide range / variety:

• We have a wide range of books to choose from.

A (n) large / small / equal number / amount:

• An equal number of men and women.

a high / large / small / greater proportion / percentage:

• A small proportion of patients.

a long time:

• I haven’t seen her for a long time.

Thank you so much!!