Indefinite and Definite Articles

Front

What are indefinite articles?

Back

Indefinite articles are words used to refer to non-specific items or individuals. In English, the indefinite articles are 'a' and 'an.'

Front

What are definite articles?

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Definite articles are words used to refer to specific items or individuals. In English, the definite article is 'the.'

Front

When do you use 'a' as an indefinite article?

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You use 'a' before words that begin with a consonant sound, e.g., 'a cat,' 'a dog.'

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When do you use 'an' as an indefinite article?

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You use 'an' before words that begin with a vowel sound, e.g., 'an apple,' 'an hour.'

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Is 'a' used before 'United States'?

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No, 'a' is not used before 'United States' because it begins with a vowel sound. The correct phrase is 'the United States.'

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Complete the phrase: '___ thoughtful woman.'

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The correct answer is 'A thoughtful woman.' You use 'A' because 'thoughtful' begins with a consonant sound.

Front

What is the rule for using 'an' before acronyms?

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Use 'an' before acronyms that begin with a vowel sound, e.g., 'an FBI agent' (F sounds like 'eff').

Front

What is the difference between 'a' and 'an'?

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The difference lies in the sound that follows them: 'a' is used before consonant sounds, while 'an' is used before vowel sounds.

Front

Can you use 'the' with general nouns?

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No, 'the' is used for specific nouns. For general nouns, use 'a' or 'an.'

Front

Fill in the blank: 'I want to become ___ actor in the future.'

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The correct answer is 'an actor.' You use 'an' because 'actor' begins with a vowel sound.