English Proficiency Programme
Articles: a, an, the
|
|
Singular |
Plural |
| Indefinite |
Rani plays with a doll. |
She likes dolls. |
| Definite |
She will cry if she loses the doll. |
She chose it from the dolls her uncle showed her in the shop. |
The above table illustrates the basic rule.
Important:
In English, a singular noun needs an article. Using "a/an"
or "the" will have different meanings.
A plural noun can be used without an article. Using the article "the" or not using it will have different meanings.
Examples: a man, a nice man, an ugly man, an honest man, a wonderful man, a unique man; a university, an honour.
Note: There are lots of other rules and exceptions, that can be found in standard grammar books.