Articles
An article is a word used to modify a noun. Article is a kind of determiner. It is used before noun. There are two types of article. They are given below.
- Definite article: the
- Indefinite article: an, a
1. Indefinite article: an, a :
Uae of “a” :
“A” article is used before countable singular noun which stats from consonant letter and sound.
Example: a cat, a dog, a pen, a table, a hen
“A” article is used before countable singular noun which stats from vowel letter but it is pronounced by consonant sound.
Example: This is a useful book.
“A” article is used before a short form which is pronounced by consonant sound.
Example: a J.T.A, a D.S.P., a C.D.O
Use of “An” article :
“An” article is used before countable singular noun which stats from vowel letter and sound.
Example: Rama ate an apple.
“An” article is used before countable singular noun which stats from consonant letter but it is pronounced by vowel sound.
Example: Ram is an honest boy.
“An” article is used before a short form which is pronounced by vowel sound.
Example: Rama is an M.A.
2. Definite Article “The”
“The” is called the definite article because it points out
Use the when referring to a noun that has already been introduced or mentioned before.
- Example: His car struck a tree. The tree is to the left of the road.
Use the before a specific noun that is narrowed down or described by a following phrase or clause.
- Example (Phrase): The girl in blue sari works in an office.
- Example (Clause): The boy whom you met studies at grade 10.
Use the before the first noun in a “noun + of + noun” pattern to indicate a specific relationship.
- Examples:
- Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal.
- The bottom of the garden.
- The tower of London.
- Exception: Use the indefinite article “a” for non-specific units or quantities.
- Examples: A glass of water, a bottle of ink.
Use the before superlative adjectives (e.g., highest, best), ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second), and the word “only” when used as an adjective or pronoun.
- Examples: The highest, the best, the first (week), the only way.
Use the followed by a singular noun to represent an entire species of animal or a complete class of things.
- Example: The tiger eats meat. (Meaning: All tigers).
- Example: The whale is in danger of extinction. (Meaning: All whales).
Rules for Using ‘The’
- Class of People: Use before an adjective to represent a specific group (e.g., The old are weak).
- Unique Objects: Use before unique nouns (e.g., the sky, the earth, the sun, the moon, the universe).
- Musical Instruments: Use before names of instruments (e.g., the flute, the piano, the madal, the guitar).
- Famous or Religious Books: Use before holy or well-known books (e.g., the Muna Madan, the Gita, the Bible, the Ramayana).
- Newspapers: Use before daily or national papers (e.g., the Rising Nepal, the Kantipur, the Kathmandu Post).
- Geographical Features: Use with oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, falls, islands, and deserts (e.g., the Pacific Ocean, the Rara Lake, the Gandaki, the Sahara Desert).
- Mountain Ranges: Use with chains of mountains or hills (e.g., The Himalaya, the Alps, the Churia range).
- Plural Country Names: Use when a country’s name is plural or indicates a collection of states (e.g., the USA, the USSR, the UK, the Netherlands).
- Ships: Use before names of large vessels (e.g., the Titanic, the Mary Celeste).
- Parts of the Day: Use in common time phrases (e.g., in the morning, in the evening). Exception: use “at night”.
- Special Meals: Use when referring to a specific celebratory meal (e.g., the wedding party, the dinner given on his birthday).
Omission of ‘The’ (‘The’ is NOT used)- Proper Nouns: Do not use with standard names of people or cities (e.g., Gopal, Hari, Kathmandu, Nepal).
- Abstract & Material Nouns: Do not use when speaking generally (e.g., Honesty is the best policy, Copper is a useful metal).
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- Exception: Use ‘the’ if the noun is made specific (e.g., The honesty of Gopal is famous).
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- General Meals: Do not use with standard daily meals (e.g., They have breakfast at seven, We were invited to dinner).
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- Exception: Use an article if the meal follows an adjective or marks a special celebration (e.g., A dinner was given for the Prime Minister, The wedding lunch was very nice).
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- Names of Relations: Do not use with family titles like father, mother, aunt, or uncle (e.g., Father will come today).
1. Shanti is …………. university student. (a, an, the, nothing)
2. Kamala is ………… one-eyed girl. (a, an, the, nothing)