Grammatical mistakes can significantly lower your IELTS score. So, if you’re struggling with using 'a,' 'an,' and 'the' correctly, then scroll through our interactive guide on grammar for IELTS.
The three articles in English are grouped into two types:
Indefinite (a,an)
Definite (the)
Indefinite Articles
‘A’ and ‘An’ are indefinite articles since they typically do not identify a specific person or object. E.g.:
A dog is shouting on the road.
The bird laid an egg.
Definite Article
The article ‘the’ is referred to as the definite article, since it refers to a particular object.
E.g. - The tree where the birds build their nests was cut.
Where are Articles Used?
Articles are mostly used before:
nouns (the book/a book)
adjective + noun combinations (a large building/ the large building).
Articles and Sound
While 'a' is used in front of words beginning with a consonant sound, 'an' is used before words starting with vowel sounds.
Indefinite Articles and Noun Number
While 'a' is used in front of words beginning with a consonant sound, 'an' is used before words starting with vowel sounds.
Definite Article and Noun Number
When referencing specific nouns in either the singular or plural, use 'the'.
Examples:
The boy is standing at the bus stand.
The boys are shouting in the class.
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