Abilities Enhancement Course (AEC)
Name of college :- Maharani Shree Nandkunverba Mahila Arts and Commerce College
Name : Alpa B Gohel
Year : F.Y - BA [Sem 1]
Subject: AEC (Abilities Enhancement)
Date : 5th October 2025
Professor : Shivani Miss
ARTICLES
Introduction
Articles are small but important words in English grammar. A, An, The are the three articles. Proper use of articles makes sentences clear, precise, and professional.
POSITION: They are used before nouns to indicate whether something is specific or general.
FUNCTION:
1. Show whether a noun is specific or general.
2. Introduce a noun for the first time or refer to something unique.
3. Indicate quantity, measurement, or classification of nouns.
TYPES OF ARTICLES
There are two types of articles in English: 1.Indefinte articles - a, an
2. Definite article - the
Indefinite Articles – ‘a’ and ‘an’
Indefinite articles are used when we talk about something non-specific or for the first time.
Article Usage Example:
A - Before words starting with a consonant sound a book, a car, a university (‘university’ has ‘yoo’ sound)
Examples:
1. She bought a book about history from the bookstore.
2. He wants to become a doctor when he grows up.
3. There is a tree near my house that gives good shade.
An - Before words starting with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u) an apple, an hour (‘hour’ has vowel sound ‘ow’), an elephant
Examples:
1. She ate an apple for breakfast this morning.
2. I saw an elephant at the zoo yesterday.
3. He waited for an hour before the bus arrived.
Rules:
1. Use ‘a’ or ‘an’ for singular nouns when mentioning them for the first time.
Example: I saw a cat in the garden.
2. Do not use indefinite articles with uncountable nouns (water, rice, sugar).
Example: I need water, not “a water.”
Definite Article – ‘the’
The definite article is used for specific nouns or something already known to the speaker and listener.
Rule Example
1. Before singular and plural specific nouns I saw the cat you told me about.
2. Before unique objects the sun, the moon, the President
3. With superlatives He is the best student in class.
4. With geographical names (rivers, oceans, deserts, mountain ranges, plural countries) the Ganga, the Himalayas, the United States
Note: Do not use ‘the’ with general ideas, most countries, or names of languages.
Example: I like English, not “the English.”
Examples:
1.The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
2. I saw the cat you were talking about near my house.
3. We visited the Taj Mahal during our trip to Agra.
Special Points About Articles
1. Professions or singular nouns: She is a teacher.
2. Numbers, quantities, or speed: I run a mile every day.
3. Musical instruments (learning/playing): He plays the guitar.
4. Adjectives used as nouns: The rich should help the poor.
Avoid these Common Mistakes
a apple - an apple
I like the music. - I like music.
She is teacher. - She is a teacher.
CONCLUSION
Articles may be small words, but they are very important for correct and clear communication. Using ‘a’, ‘an’, and ‘the’ correctly makes sentences meaningful and precise.
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