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Articles: introduction

What are articles?​

Articles are small words that are often used at the beginning of noun phrases. There are two: the (the definite article) and a/an (the indefinite article). They belong to a group of words called ‘determiners’.

What are articles used for?​

Articles can show whether we are talking about identifiable things, which are known both to the speaker/writer and listener/hearer (‘definite’), or not (‘indefinite’).

How much do articles matter?​

The correct use of the articles is one of the most difficult points in English grammar. Fortunately, most article mistakes do not matter too much. Even if we leave all the articles out of a sentence, it can usually be understood.

  • Please can you lend me pound of butter till end of week?

However, it is better to use the articles correctly if possible. Entries (see here) give the most important rules and exceptions.

Speakers of Western European languages​

Most languages of Western European origin, and one or two others, have article systems quite like English. However, there are some differences in the way articles are used in English and these other languages. The most important differences are explained in (see here). Students should go to (see here) first if they speak one of the following languages perfectly or very well: French, German, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, Romanian. There is more detailed information on difficult points in (see here).

Speakers of other languages​

If a student’s language is one (e.g. Russian or Japanese) that is not listed in (see here), he or she may have more difficulty with the correct use of articles. The most important rules are explained in (see here), and students should read this first. There is more detailed information on difficult points in (see here).