The Argument for Articles -->
Walden University Writing Center

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The Argument for Articles

Thursday, September 13, 2012 11 comments
By Rachel Grammer, Writing Consultant

Rachel Grammar explains articles of speech.As I wandered through tourist traps and tea shops of a foreign city a few years back, I stumbled across this sign. The grammar geek in me had to smile. Would you like to ride on camel? A nice experience, isn’t it? Even as I chuckled, I knew that the omission of the word a in the sign represented one of the greatest challenges of learning the English language: the use of what we writing nerds call articles.

Articles are actually not arbitrary.
Despite the seemingly arbitrary nature of articles, there are grammatical rules that govern their use. The category of articles generally consists of three words: a, an, and the. While these are small words, they can make a world of difference in writing. Articles do have a purpose and can provide clarity. Allow me to explain.

Articles give specificity and number.
Articles fall into two categories: Definite and indefinite.
The definite article (the) refers to definite or specific things, such as the cup of coffee sitting on the counter or the rabbits that ran in front of my car. Definite articles give more specificity but are not necessarily tied to a number. (For example, you can have the research, the articles, or the car. Whether the word that follows is singular or plural does not matter.)
Indefinite articles (a, an) refer to a nonspecific or general thing, such as a cup of coffee or an apple or a camel, meaning any cup, any apple, or any camel. The word a is used before words that begin with a consonant sound and the word an is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. (e.g. A university but an hour. The spellings here would make you think they would need the opposite articles, but whether one uses a or an is based on vowel sound.)

Indefinite articles are bound by number and require a singular word to follow them. (For example, you would use a cat or an elephant, but you would not use a cats or an elephants. These words, cats and elephants are not singular, so they would not use an indefinite article.)

Click on this table to view these article guidelines:

Definite and indefinite articles

As you can see, because there is no category for words that are nonspecific (indefinite) and plural, we do not use any articles with those words. This is why when we refer to general categories of things or people, we do not use an article:

General topic: I enjoy all kinds of cats.  
Wrong: I like the cats.
Wrong: I like a cat.
Right (with no article): I like cats.

Take the first sentence from the sign in the photo: Would you like to ride on camel? Now click on the table to see how articles could make the sign correct:

Definite and indefinite articles

As you can see, little words can make a big difference! Whether in your capstone paper or on a street sign, articles do matter.

For more information, check out our website resource on articles. Grammarly also has some great tips on using articles!

11 comments :

  1. UnknownOctober 3, 2018 at 2:39 AM

    Thank you so much :)

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  2. Walden Writing CenterOctober 3, 2018 at 10:03 AM

    We're glad you liked the post, Xyrell Caballes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownOctober 6, 2018 at 1:33 PM

      Hi , I would like to say thank you for your courses it's very useful.but I want to know if these information about grammar is completely? ☺

      Delete
    2. Walden Writing CenterOctober 8, 2018 at 2:57 PM

      This post is only ONE of many resources we've created to support our student writers with their grammar instruction. For example, if you're looking for a free, self-paced, interactive resource with which to learn English grammar, check out this Grammar Module.

      Let us know what you think!

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2019 at 1:28 PM

    How is the sign funny? Even without an article, it should be clear that they offer a ride on a single nonspecific camel, no? Is the meaning of the sentence somehow altered by omitting it, or its just a grammatical error?

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    Replies
    1. Walden Writing CenterFebruary 19, 2019 at 10:58 AM

      Great question. While the meaning is still fairly clear, there could still be a clearer distinction of whether this is one specific camel, or one of many to choose from, though you are right—that in itself is not necessarily funny. I think what struck me as actually humorous was the marketing ploy. Regardless, this seemed a good example to use when talking about articles because it demonstrated how they are so tricky!

      - Rachel Willard (nee Grammer) -

      Delete
  4. JoanAugust 3, 2020 at 9:16 AM

    nice tips.
    thank you so much

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    Replies
    1. Walden Writing CenterAugust 31, 2020 at 12:58 PM

      Glad you found the post helpful! Thanks for your kind comment, Joan!

      Delete
  5. UnknownMay 27, 2021 at 9:05 AM

    I really appreciate your help and look forward to learning more and also to ask if you could provide a tutor for an ESL like me.Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  6. Walden Writing CenterJune 4, 2021 at 5:07 PM

    Thank you for your kind words! We do not provide ESL-specific tutoring in person, but we do have a number of resources (https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/multilingual) specifically created with multilingual students in mind! I'd also suggest making a Paper Review appointment (https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/paperreviews) so we can provide personalized feedback on your writing. Hope to work with you soon!

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownFebruary 13, 2022 at 11:32 PM

    Good work for the students

    ReplyDelete

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