Determiners - A , An or The
When to use A, An or The?
Definite Article - "The" is a definite article, which means that it is used to specify something specific. It refers to a noun the is either understood (by the reader or listener) or has been previously referred to by the writer or speaker.
Indefinite Articles - "A" and "An" are indefinite articles. The difference between "A" and "An". "An":is used is it comes after a word that starts with a vowel.
"A" and "an" are used the same way grammatically. They are used before a singular noun, or before the adjective the represents the noun. They can't be used with plural nouns or uncountable nouns.
A/An |
There is a dog outside the building. |
We don't know which dog the writer/speaker is referring to. |
The |
The black dog is outside the building. |
It is understood to which dog the writer/speaker is referring to |
A/An |
Do you know where there is a post office? |
The writer/speaker is not referring to a specific post office |
The |
I am going to the post office. |
It is understood to which post office the speaker/writer is referring to. |
- What are determiners?
- That - This - These - Those Determiners
- What are quantifiers?
- What are articles?
- Some - Any
- That - Which
- A - An - The
- A - An - The Quiz
