Articles (a, an, the) — When to Use What

1. INTRO

Articles are small words — a, an, the — but they create big confusion for learners.
Today, I’ll explain when to use each one in the simplest way possible.

2. PURPOSE

This vlog will help you:

• Understand the difference between a, an, and the
• Use articles correctly in daily English
• Avoid the most common mistakes

3. SCOPE

We will cover:

1. When to use a
2. When to use an
3. When to use the
4. When NOT to use articles
5. Quick practice examples

4. USE “A” WHEN THE WORD STARTS WITH A CONSONANT SOUND

Not letter — sound.

Examples:

• a boy
• a car
• a university (sounds like “you-niversity”)
• a European country (sounds like “you-rope”)

“A” is used when the sound is not a vowel.

5. USE “AN” WHEN THE WORD STARTS WITH A VOWEL SOUND

Again — sound, not spelling.

Examples:

• an apple
• an egg
• an hour (starts with “our”)
• an honest man (sounds like “onest”)

“An” is used when the sound begins with a, e, i, o, u.

6. USE “THE” WHEN SOMETHING IS SPECIFIC OR UNIQUE

Use the when:

• The listener knows which one you’re talking about.
• There is only one.

Examples:

• the sun
• the sky
• the Taj Mahal
• the book on the table

Also used for things mentioned for the second time.

7. WHEN NOT TO USE ANY ARTICLE

Don’t use articles with:

• Languages (English, Hindi, French)
• Subjects (Maths, Science)
• General ideas (Love is important.)
• Plural general things (Dogs are loyal.)

8. QUICK PRACTICE

• ___ apple → an
• ___ car → a
• ___ moon → the
• ___ water is important → (no article)
• ___ hour ago → an

9. CONCLUSION

Use a for consonant sounds,
an for vowel sounds,
the for specific things.
With a little practice, articles become very easy.