Articles in English grammar are words like "a," "an," and "the" that precede nouns to indicate whether a noun is general or specific. "A" and "an" are indefinite articles for general or unknown nouns (e.g., "a dog"). "The" is the definite article for specific nouns (e.g., "the dog"). Articles are a type of adjective that modifies a noun by pointing to its identifiability. Types of Articles Indefinite Articles a: Used before nouns that begin with a consonant sound. Example: a car, a university, a one-time event. an: Used before nouns that begin with a vowel sound. Example: an apple, an hour, an unusual idea. Definite Article the: Used to specify a particular or known noun. Example: I want the keys you gave me. I'm talking about the movie we saw last night. How to Use Them 1. Identify if the noun is specific or general: If you are talking about any one of a kind, use "a" or "an". If you are talking about a particular one that both the speaker and listener know, use "the". 2. Consider the sound that follows: Consonant sound: Use "a" (e.g., "a book"). Vowel sound: Use "an" (e.g., "an idea"). 3. Remember not to use indefinite articles with uncountable nouns or plural nouns when talking generally . Example: We need water (not a water). Children love playing (not a children).