Articles: A, An, The

Articles are small but important words before nouns indicating whether the noun is specific or general. English has three articles: 'a,' 'an,' and 'the.' 'A' is used before consonant sounds (a book, a university). 'An' before vowel sounds (an apple, an hour). Remember: the SOUND matters, not the letter. 'The' is the definite article, used when both speaker and listener know which noun is meant. Use it when: the noun was mentioned before, it is unique (the sun), modified by a superlative (the tallest boy). No article (zero article) is used with general plural and uncountable nouns (Dogs are loyal. Water is essential).