Indefinite and Definite Articles Learn THE facts.

Did You Know?

The Indefinite Article• A/ an is the indefinite article. Use a/an to modify a

singular, non-specific noun. • Use a if the noun starts with a consonant or yoo sound.

• a player• a game• a cookie• a door• a university (sounds like yoo)

• Use an if the noun starts with a vowel• an apple• an owl• an egg• An hour (silent h)

The Definite Article • The is the definite article. Use the to indicate a specific

noun. • Did you see the movie? This sentence implies that people in the

conversation already know what movie the speaker is referring to.

• I read the books. This sentence implies that people in the conversation already know what books the speaker is referring to.

Please Note: The can be used for singular or plural nouns.

Examples of Uses. • Consider the differences between these sentences.

• I want a cupcake. (There might be several cupcakes, and the person does not specify which one he wants.)

• I want the cupcake. (There is only one cupcake, and person wants it.)

• Are you going to the game? (specific)• Are you going to a game? (nonspecific)

• She will wear the shirt tomorrow. (indicates a specific shirt.)• She will wear a tee-shirt tomorrow.(indicates a nonspecific tee-

shirt.)

Don’t use an Article When….• You are referring to countries or states.

• You are referring to subjects (math, language, art, music, etc…).

• You are referring to sports.