IndianTechnoEra: Using Articles in Simple Sentences

Using Articles in Simple Sentences

We have learned about a, an and the. Now we can use these words in complete sentences.

Using these small words correctly helps us make our sentences clear and natural.

Learning Objectives

• Use a in simple sentences.
• Use an in simple sentences.
• Use the in simple sentences.
• Choose the correct word for a sentence.
• Check whether a sentence sounds correct and makes sense.

Using a in Sentences

I have a book.
She has a pencil.
He sees a dog.
This is a ball.

In these sentences, a comes before a singular naming word.

Using an in Sentences

I ate an apple.
She has an umbrella.
We saw an elephant.
He found an egg.

In these sentences, an comes before a singular naming word beginning with a vowel sound.

Using the in Sentences

The sun is bright.
The dog is sleeping.
The teacher is here.
Close the door.

Here, the is used when we are talking about a particular person, animal or thing.

Using a, an and the Together

Sometimes more than one of these words can appear in the same short passage.

I saw a dog.
The dog was small.
It had an orange ball.

We use a when the dog is introduced, the when we talk about that particular dog, and an before orange.

Choosing the Correct Word

Before choosing an article, look at the word that comes after it and think about what you are talking about.

___ cat → a cat
___ apple → an apple
___ sun → the sun

Common Mistakes

• Do not use a before a word that needs an.
• Do not use an before a word that needs a.
• Remember that the is used for a particular person, animal or thing.
• Read the complete sentence after choosing the article.
• Check that the sentence sounds natural and makes sense.

Practice

1. I have ___ book. (a / an / the)

2. She ate ___ apple. (a / an / the)

3. ___ sun is bright. (A / An / The)

4. He has ___ pencil. (a / an / the)

5. We saw ___ elephant. (a / an / the)

6. ___ dog is sleeping. (A / An / The)

7. I have ___ orange. (a / an / the)

8. Complete: I saw a cat. ___ cat was small.

Try It Yourself

Write six simple sentences. Try to use a, an and the at least once.

I have a bag.
I ate an apple.
The bag is blue.

Quick Revision

• A is used before many singular naming words beginning with a consonant sound.
• An is used before many singular naming words beginning with a vowel sound.
• The is used when talking about a particular person, animal or thing.
• Articles come before naming words.
• Always check the meaning of the complete sentence.

Next Step

You have completed Chapter 11. In the next chapter, you will learn how to use this, that, these and those to talk about people and things.