1. Indefinite Articles (a / an)

Used before singular countable nouns when referring to something for the first time or when it is not specific.

• a book (any book)
• an apple (any apple)
• I saw a man walking down the road.

‘A’ is used before words beginning with a consonant sound. ‘An’ is used before words beginning with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).

Examples:

• a car, a dog, a university (sound of ‘yu’)
• an umbrella, an hour (silent ‘h’)

2. Definite Article (the)

Used before nouns that are known to both the speaker and listener or when referring to something unique or previously mentioned.

• the sun, the earth, the sky
• the book on the table (specific one)

“The” can be used with singular, plural, or uncountable nouns.

Rule 1 – First vs. Second Mention

Use “a/an” when mentioning something for the first time, and “the” when mentioning it again.

• I saw a cat. The cat was sleeping.

Rule 2 – Use of “A” and “An” Based on Sound

• a university (sound: “yu”)
• an MBA student (sound: “em”)

Rule 3 – With Unique Things

• the sun, the moon, the Taj Mahal

Rule 4 – With Superlatives & Ordinals

• the best player, the first prize

Rule 5 – With Names of Rivers, Oceans & Ranges

• the Ganga, the Himalayas, the Pacific Ocean

Rule 6 – With Inventions, Musical Instruments & Newspapers

• She plays the violin.
• The telephone was invented by Bell.
• I read the Times of India.

Rule 7 – With Nationalities & Groups

• The French are famous for fashion.
• The British ruled India.

Rule 8 – Before Nouns Representing Whole Classes

• The lion is a brave animal. (Refers to all lions)

Rule 9 – With Proper Nouns Used as Common Nouns

• He is the Shakespeare of our college.

1. Before Proper Nouns

• India is a beautiful country.
• Rahul is my friend.

2. Before Abstract Nouns (Used Generally)

• Honesty is the best policy.
• Beauty fades with time.

3. Before Names of Meals (General Sense)

• We have breakfast at 8.
• Dinner is ready.

But: “The dinner we had last night was delicious.”

4. Before Languages, Subjects, Sports

• She speaks English fluently.
• He loves Mathematics.
• They play cricket daily.

5. Before Plural Countable Nouns (General Sense)

• Cats are playful animals.
• Books give us knowledge.

6. Before Uncountable Nouns Used Generally

• Water is essential for life.
• Information is power.