Articles a the
an
What is an article •It is a determiner. •It modifies a noun.
Definite Article •The – refers to specific or particular nouns .
For example: • I enjoyed participating in the volleyball competition The above sentence refers to a particular or specific competition.
• I enjoyed watching the show The sentence refers to a particular or specific show.
Indefinite articles: 'a' or 'an' • Refers to a non-specific noun. • The children are playing a game outdoors. (it refers any game)
• The artist is painting a picture. (it refers to any picture)
When to use 'the' • Names of rivers, oceans and seas. • The Red Sea • Points on the globe • The equator
When to use the'
• Parts of the world –The Middle East –The south
• Deserts & forests –The Sahara Desert –The Mandai forest
•When to use 'a' • Before words that begin with consonants. – a cat – a pencil – a bag
When to use 'an' • Before silent 'h' – an honest man – an honourable person
When to use 'an' • Before all words that begin with the vowels “a”, “e”, “i”, “o” “u” – an egg – an ant
When to use 'an' • Before all words that begin with the vowels “a”, “e”, “i”, “o” “u” – an ice-cream – an orange
Use “a” when ........ • When “u” makes the same sound as the “y” in you. – a uniform – a used plate
Use “a” when ........ • “o” makes the same sound as “w” in “won” – a one-eyed monster