The definite article, “the,” and the indefinite articles, “a” and “an,” are often classified as separate parts of speech. Grammarians consider them as “limiting adjectives.”
The indefinite article, “a” is used before words that begin with a consonant, or consonant sounds. Vowels are: a,e,i, o, u. All other letters are consonants.
Example: a table. A future President. A hysterical man. A one-armed cowboy (“one” is pronounced as a “w” as in won). A unique program. (unique is pronounced as a “y”)
The indefinite “an” is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, or with a silent “h” as in “honesty.”
Example: an armored car. An illegal arrest. An heir (the letter, “h” is silent).
The definite article, “the” is used with either consonants or vowels.
Example: the table. The future president. The hysterical man. The woman.
Practice: Use the proper indefinite or definite article before the following words.
Editor, woman, table, automobile, knife
