Article Rules with Examples: A Complete Guide

Article Rules: Everyone always assumes English is an easy language & misunderstands its importance. The basic rules that are taught at the primary level in school turn out not to be a part of competitive exams but also in cracking various interviews. Article rules are part of this & even grammar nazis sometimes make these common mistakes. This blog will address Article Rules in English Grammar.

What is an Article?

Articles are words that help to identify whether a noun used in a sentence is specific or unspecific. There are two types of articles:

• Definite article
• Indefinite article

Definite Article

A definite Article is a word “The” It restricts the noun & narrows it down to one specific thing. Definite articles are used with singular, plural, or uncountable nouns. 

Examples of Definite Articles

• Can you pass me the red ballpoint pen?
• Let’s go to the park.
• What are your plans for the coming weekend?

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Indefinite Article

Indefinite articles are not referring to a specific thing but to a general idea. Indefinite articles are two words “a”,” an”

Examples of Indefinite Articles

• Can you please pass me an apple?
• I saw an actor in the mall today
• She has a collection of pretty shoes

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Definite and Indefinite Articles with Examples

Definite Articles	Indefinite Articles
It is used to indicate something specific	It is used to indicate something nonspecific
It is used after introducing the noun or noun phrase	It is used to introduce nouns or noun phrase
It is used with both singular and plural nouns	It is used twitch singular nouns
It is used with both countable and uncountable nouns	It can’t be used with uncountable nouns

Article Rules with Examples

There are a few articles that are easy to understand & will improve your everyday language as well. Here are some of the article rules in English grammar:

Article Rule 1 

The very article rule is in front of specific singular/plural nouns that are specific, always “the” used should be used before.

Example:

• The kid is polite with the elders.
• Can you pass me the ketchup bottle on the table?

Article Rule 2

When referring to a noun that belongs to a large group of nouns & is not specific, then indefinite articles should be used.

Examples:

• I have been waiting for a reply from last night still there is no response.
• I will ask a friend of mine to accompany me to my uncle’s wedding.

Article Rule 3

In conversation “The” will only use when listeners have information about the speaker’s topic.

Example:

• Are you done with the sale report?
• Was it a salsa night at the club yesterday?

Article Rule 4

When there is an uncounted noun in a sentence, “The” should be used always.

Example:

• He dropped all the sugar on the ground.
• He loves the chocolate her sister gifted him on sibling’s day.

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Article Rule 5

When describing a group of places & not referring to any single place, “The” is used.

Example:

• The United Kingdom
• The united states of America

Article Rule 6

“The” is used before the things that are unique and uncommon.

Example:

The sun & stars lighten up my mood

Article Rule 7

Always use the correct form of the article when forming a sentence, Correct form is article + adjective + Noun

Example:

• The bungalow on the beach
• An open kitchen is perfect for our new home

Article Rule 8

You should always use “A” before a constant word & “An” vowel sound. Sometimes some alphabets are silent in the word, in this case, go with the sound of the word and choose “A” or “An”

Example:

• What an epic journey from Mumbai to Goa!
• I am planning to buy a big apartment.

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Article Rule 9 

Eliminate using articles in front of nationalities, names & languages

Examples:

• Hi, I am Vijay, nice to meet you!
• I learned Spanish in school

Article Rule 10

Do not use any articles when sentences are about a general idea elaborating on an uncountable noun.

Examples:

• She likes swimming
• My son is graduating from SRCC

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Articles A, An, The Rules with Examples

After the above rules, here are some other rules for using the definite article “The” and the indefinite articles “A and “An”.

Using Definite Article: “The”

Rule 1: The article ‘the’ is used before a singular or plural noun that is specific, according to the most basic rule of the article. In the case of a common noun, it denotes a specific thing or person.

Example: The professor he talked to at the event was very impolite.

Rule 2: When the listener understands what the speaker is talking about, the article ‘the’ is utilised.

Example: The beer bottles you kept in the refrigerator taste sour.

Rule 3: ‘The’ is used to refer to an entire class or group.

Example: The beggars are not always needy.

Rule 4: ‘The’ is used to refer to geographical locations around the globe.

Example: The USA and the UK are the world leaders in providing top-notch education.

Rule 5: ‘The’ is used for the nouns that cannot be counted.

Example: The water in the Pacific Ocean is freezing.

Also, Check out: Present Indefinite Tense

Using Indefinite Articles: “A”, “An”

Rule 1: Before a consonant word or any vowel with a consonant sound, the article ‘a’ is used. In addition, the article ‘an’ is also used before words that start with a vowel (a, e, I o, u) or the first letter of a consonant word that has a vowel sound.

Examples:

• A woman is riding a horse.
• He is an oblivion child. 

Rule 2: A singular common noun must always include the article ‘a’ or ‘an,’ however a plural common noun does not need an article and can have ‘the’ to particularise it.

Example: I saw an axe. (refer to a random axe)

Rule 3: A/An is used to convert a proper noun into a common one. Proper nouns do not take articles, but a/an is used to make them common nouns.

Example: She thinks she is an Elizabeth Queen.

Rule 4: The indefinite article ‘a’ or ‘an’ is sometimes used to refer to numbers.

Example: I owe her a thousand bucks.

Rule 5: The descriptive adjective is preceded by the indefinite article (a/an).

Examples:

• He is an amazing contemporary dancer.
• What a beautiful bungalow!

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When to Not Use Articles?

In certain circumstances, no article is used at all. In the following circumstances, the articles ‘a and ‘the’ are not used:

1. When discussing Plural Nouns:

Girls enjoy pink (the sentence is referring to girls in general).

The girls in my hostel enjoy playing kabaddi. (The sentence refers exclusively to the hostel girls)

2. When discussing uncountable nouns

Water scarcity is a real issue. (It cannot be counted)

Correct – Water scarcity is a concern in my neighbourhood. (referring to a specific location)

Incorrect – There is a lack of water in my area. (Once again, scarcity is inexhaustible)

3. When discussing Real Nouns, i.e. names of persons or places

Incorrect – I’d like to visit Australia.

Incorrect – she seeks articles from Sam.

Practice Questions for Article Rules in English Grammar

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FAQs

We hope this blog was helpful & now you know all the article rules. Article rules are not just useful in everyday life but also help to ace various competitive exams. Learn proper English with Leverage Live! If you wish to seek further guidance on your test preparation and your career, you can check out Leverage Edu today and schedule a free consultation session now. For more regular updates you can follow us on Instagram & Twitter.