Articles in English Grammar: What is an Article?

Articles are types of determiners. Determiners are words that lead to a noun. Articles are normally used before a noun. There are two kinds of articles: definite articles and indefinte articles. Definite articles 'the' are used when we want the lead the reader to a specific noun. Therefore, 'the' is definite or exact. For example: The green car went fast. In this example, we are showing the reader that we are referring to a specific car. Indefinite articles are the opposite of definite articles. We use the indefinite article 'a' or 'an' when referring to a generic noun. Remember that 'a' is used before consonants and 'an' is used before vowels. A green car went fast. Here we generalise the noun, as there are many green cars that went fast. Another example: I have an automobile. In these examples, the articles are in bold. Check out our definite and indefinite sentences list.

Articles Sentence Examples

Practice definite and indefinite sentences. Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific. In other words, by using the definite article 'the' or the indefinite articles 'a' or 'an'. Have a go and make your own sentences with the definite vs. indefinite articles sentences poster above and sentences below.

• Definite article sentences:
• Please give me the spanner.
• The film is great.
• The school is best in the county.
• The sweater was quite cheap.
• We live on the second floor of this building.



• Indefinite article sentences:
• Please hand me a fork.
• I saw an accident about a boy.
• That is an amazing game.
• Kris is training to be an accountant.
• I need a tonne of gold.

Article Games and Worksheets

Looking for more resources related to articles? Check out our comprehensive list of worksheets and video games. Download worksheets and play interactive games for free.

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