Definite and Indefinite Articles Lesson and Quiz

Definite and Indefinite Articles

Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific. A, an, and the are articles.

A and an are called indefinite articles because they refer to a general group of people, places, things, or ideas. A precedes a noun that begins with a consonant, and an precedes a noun that begins with a vowel or vowel sound. They are only used with singular nouns.

Examples:

Are you going to a party this weekend?

I eat an orange everyday.

The is called a definite article because it identifies specific people, places, things, or ideas. It can be used with both singular and plural nouns.

Example:

Are you going to the party this weekend?

Ready to Show What You Know?

Select if the article is definite or indefinite.

Multiple Choice

Did you know an invertebrate has no backbone?

• definite

• indefinite

Multiple Choice

I chopped the vegetables for a salad.

• definite

• indefinite

Multiple Choice

Our family always goes to the skating rink on Saturdays.

• definite

• indefinite

Multiple Choice

Mia took her puppy home a week ago.

• definite

• indefinite

Multiple Choice

The plant ate a fly.

• definite

• indefinite

Ready to Show What You Know?

Select the corrrect article to use for each word.

Multiple Choice

dinosaur

• a

• an

Multiple Choice

umbrella

• a

• an

Multiple Choice

octagon

• a

• an

Multiple Choice

math book

• a

• an

Multiple Choice

amazing discovery

• a

• an

You Did It!