As we mentioned, in English there are two different types of article, the definite article and the indefinite article. They are each used for their own purpose and we are now going to take a look at these in a little more depth.

Definite Article

The best way to remember what a definite article is, is to remember that the word the is the definite article. As we have briefly seen in our earlier examples, the word the can be used to demonstrate that the speaker is referring to something specific and not talking in a general sense.

When using a definite article, it can be combined with either a plural, a singular or an uncountable noun. We are now going to take a look at some examples of the definite article being used within a sentence.

• Please show me the photo.
• Can I see the blue dress, I do not like the red one.
• Are we going to watch the football game?
• I need the long wire, it is the only wire which will reach the plug socket.

Indefinite Article

When we are talking about the indefinite article, we are referring to the words a and an and depending on which word they are referring to, will depend on which one you use.

• If the noun begins with a vowel, you should use an.
• If the nouns begins with a consonant, you should use a.

We use the indefinite article as a way of demonstrating that we are not referring to a specific item or person but rather talking a more general sense. Lets take a look at some examples of the indefinite article being used within a sentence.

• I need to read a book, do you have a good one?
• I am going to watch a movie, I am not sure which one.
• There is an animal in the garden.
• Sally has an invention she is working on.