Identifying Articles In a Sentence

The words “a, an, and the” are articles. They come at the beginning of a noun phrase.

 

A and an are used when talking about something unspecific. Use a before words starting with consonant sound.

 

Use an before words starting with vowel sound.

 

I want a pen. [any pen]

 

I have an umbrella. [any umbrella]

 

The is used when talking about something specific.

 

Have you washed the car? [specific car]