Articles are short words used before nouns to introduce them and clarify them. The most common articles are:

  • a
  • an
  • the

There are many other words that can be used instead of these three articles. These words are called determiners. Determiners can be other words, like 'this' or 'my,' or it can be a possessive 's.

Singular count nouns must always be paired with an article or another determiner. They cannot be used alone.

Correct Mom told me a story.
Incorrect Mom told me story.

Plural count nouns and all noncount nouns, however, can be used alone with no articles, or with 'the' or other determiners. The article 'a' cannot be used with plural count nouns or noncount nouns.

Correct I cooked food.
I cooked the food.
I cooked some food.
Incorrect I cooked a food.

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Exercises

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