Question

You must have used a variety of articles in your answer. Why did you use them? Discuss the reasons with your teacher.

Answer 1

We use different articles because they have different functions:

• “A” is used before a singular countable noun when it is mentioned generally or for the first time.
  Example: a small girl, a man

• “An” is used before a singular countable noun beginning with a vowel sound.
  Example: an hour

• “The” is used when we refer to a particular person, place or thing that is already known or has been mentioned before.
  Example: the railway carriage, the children, the opposite side

Thus, the choice of article depends on whether the noun is general or specific and on the sound with which the next word begins.