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A,
an and the
I am often asked if we still need to use articles (a,
an, and the), particularly when writing an e-mail. The answer
is a resounding yes. Without them, a writer looks sloppy.
The articles, a,
an and the, are considered adjectives and
they signal that a noun follows.
Example
Are you going to the store? (Store in this case is a noun,
so the article the is placed in front of the word.)
Are you
going to
store the extra binders: (Store in this case is a verb.
It does not have an article in front.)
A is called an indefinite article because it refers to a
general noun. The is a definite article referring to a specific
group.
A report (any report)
The report (a specific report)
An is also an indefinite article. It is placed in front
of a noun that has a vowel sound. Note: It is not the spelling
of the word, but the sound of the word that determines the
use of an.
Use the
article a before all consonant sounds
and before words beginning with a sounded h, long u,
and o with
the sound of w (as in one).
Examples
A university
An hour
A hotel
An M.B.A. degree
A unit
An honour
A one-week vacation
Here’s the exception to the rule: Don’t use a or an after the word of.
Incorrect:
What kind of a position did you apply for?
Correct:
What kind of position did you apply for?
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