In this lesson, we will learn about one important class of definitive adjectives called “articles“.
When we say, “A horse was stolen,” the word “a” denotes that one horse is meant, but it does not point out any particular horse.
When we say, “The horse was stolen,” the word “the” denotes that a particular horse is meant.
The words “A ” and ” The,” in these sentences, are definitive adjectives, because they limit nouns without denoting any of their qualities. They are also called “Articles.”
A and an are different forms of the same word. A is used when the following words begin with a subvocal or aspirate; an, when the following word begins with a vocal.
“The” is called the Definite Article, because it points out definitely the object which it restricts.
“A” or “An” is called the Indefinite Article, because it restricts in an indefinite or general manner.
Review Questions
- What words are called “articles”?
- Which is the definite article?
- Which is the indefinite article?
- When is “a” used?
- When is “an” used?
Source: Harvey’s Elementary Grammar & Composition.
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