what are the three articles in English grammar
Answers
Answer:
a, an, the
Explanation:
In English there are three articles: a, an, and the. Articles are used before nouns or noun equivalents and are a type of adjective. The definite article (the) is used before a noun to indicate that the identity of the noun is known to the reader.
Answer:
The three grammatical articles in the English Language are A, AN, and THE. These three articles, which are called “identifiers,” function just like adjectives in that they modify their accompanying nouns. Moreover, these articles are placed into two categories. Whereas A and AN are called “indefinite” articles, THE is called “definite” article. Note that the term “identifier” can function as either a “determiner” or a “non-determiner. Whereas, however, “determiner” is also called “specifier,” “non-determiner” is also called “non-specifier.” So, in order to get a clear understanding of the use of these three articles, pay careful attention to the following illustrative examples.
THE INDEFINITE ARTICLE “A.”
EXAMPLES:
I want a can of soda. Note here that the indefinite article “a” is modifying the noun “can.” Also, the article “a” refers to any can in that it does not determine or specify can. Therefore, the “a” is called a non-determiner or non-specifier.
Give me a blue book. (any blue book).
Give me a pen. (any pen).
Give me a red pen. (any red pen).
Some examples are: a boy, a cat, a girl, a book, a cup, a chair, a desk.
THE INDEFINITE ARTICLE “AN.”
EXAMPLES:
I want an apple. Note here that the indefinite article “an” is modifying the noun “apple.” Since “apple” begins with a vowel, we have to use “an” in that the article “an” is used with nouns beginning with a vowel. Moreover, just like the use of “a,” the same rules of the indefinite articles apply to the use of “an.” Also, note that “an” is a non-determiner or non-specifier.
Give me an orange. (any orange).
Give me an eraser. (any eraser).
Some examples are: an orange, an applicant, an easel, an entry, an adjunct, an exit.
NOTE: The plural of A and AN is some. (some prunes; some apples).
THE DEFINITE ARTICLE “THE.”
EXAMPLES:
Pass me the eraser. Note here that “the” refers to a special eraser. And, the definite article “the” is a determiner or specifier modifying the noun “eraser.”
The students of this class are smart. Note here that “the” refers to specific students. Therefore, it is a determiner or specifier or identifier modifying the noun “students.”
Give me the pen.
Give me the papers.
Give me the money.
NOTE: The indefinite article “the” is used with all nouns: both singular and plural nouns
Some examples are: the boy, the boys, the girl, the girls, the pen, the pens.
In sum, whereas the indefinite article A is used before words beginning with a consonant, the indefinite article AN is used with words beginning with a vowel. On the other hand, the definite article THE is used with all words.