Articles: A, An, The

English has three articles: a, an, the. They come before nouns and indicate whether the noun is specific or general.

Indefinite articles: a / an

Use a before consonant sounds: a book, a university (yoo sound). Use an before vowel sounds: an apple, an hour (silent h).

These refer to any one of a group, not a specific one.

Definite article: the

Use the when: - The listener knows which one: Close the door. - It's been mentioned before: I saw a dog. The dog was friendly. - It's unique: the sun, the president

No article

- Plural and uncountable nouns in general: Dogs are friendly. Water is essential. - Most countries, cities: France, Istanbul - Meal names: I eat lunch at noon.