What you will learn in Grade 3
Today's goal: Choose articles based on whether a noun is general, particular or introduced for the first time.
I saw a bird. The bird was blue.
Use a and an when referring to one non-specific person or thing; use the for a specific one.
an hour, an honest person (vowel sound)
Choose an before a vowel sound, even when the spelling does not begin with a vowel letter.
a university (starts with /y/ sound)
Use a before a consonant sound, even when the word begins with a vowel letter.
The sun is bright.
Use the when the reader or listener can identify the particular thing being discussed.
Core idea
Read the explanation, study the examples and explain the idea in your own words.
Learn with examples
a bird
“a bird” shows how an article fits naturally before a noun.
the bird
“the bird” points to a particular noun the reader can identify.
an hour
Use “an hour” before a singular noun beginning with a vowel sound.
the sun
“the sun” points to a particular noun the reader can identify.
See the skill in action
Quick check
Choose the correct article: ___ hour.
Practice like a learner
- Fill: ___ university.
- Fill: ___ orange.
- Complete: I bought a book. ___ book is interesting.
- Explain why 'an hour' is correct.
- Correct the articles in two sentences of your own.
Ready for the next level?
Free practice builds confidence. Live Zynospark classes add teacher explanation, correction, structured practice and feedback.
Explore online tuition →