Articles are Demonstrative Adjectives Articles can be classified as Definite article (The- can be used for singular or plural) Indefinite article (A/An - only singular)
Definite Article: "the" is a definite article. It is called so, because it points out at a particular object/subject. e.g The apple which I ate was sweet. (i.e a particular apple)
Indefinite Article: "A" (or "an") is the Indefinite Article. It is because it points out a thing in general. e.g An apple.. ( which means any apple)
Use of the Definite Article: The Definite Article "the" is used in the following cases:
- When a singular noun represents a whole class. e.g 1.The rose smells sweet. 2. The Camel is a beast of burden.
- While speaking of someone already referred to: The story I heard was interesting
- While talking of a particular subject/object
- When referring to scriptures/books
- While referring to newspapers/magazines/journals
- While referring to various nature related places e.g The Suez Canal or The Everest
- When referring to imaginary geographical lines e.g The Tropic of Cancer
- Before a proper noun
- Before nationalities, races, communities etc
- Before unique common nouns e.g The Sun or The Moon
Use of the Indefinite Article: The indefinite article is used in the following cases :
- To convey the numerical sense of "one". e.g A hundred kilos make a quintal
- To change a proper noun into a common noun
- When an individual or an animal or thing represents a class
- To point out an unfamiliar person, animal or thing.
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