What you will learn in Grade 4
Today's goal: Decide whether a noun is general, specific, unique or introduced for the first time.
I saw a tiger. The tiger was near a river.
Use a/an for a non-specific singular noun and the for a specific noun.
The Earth moves around the Sun.
Use the when a noun refers to something unique or already clearly identified.
She wants to be a doctor.
Use a/an when referring to one member of a group or profession in a general way.
an honest person; a European country
Article choice depends on meaning and sound, not only on the first letter of a word.
Core idea
Read the explanation, study the examples and explain the idea in your own words.
Learn with examples
a tiger
“a tiger” shows how an article fits naturally before a noun.
the tiger
“the tiger” points to a particular noun the reader can identify.
the Sun
“the Sun” refers to something unique or one of its kind.
an honest person
Use “an honest person” before a singular noun beginning with a vowel sound.
See the skill in action
Quick check
Why do we say 'an honest person'?
Practice like a learner
- Choose: He is a/an engineer.
- Choose: I saw a dog. ___ dog was sleeping.
- Choose: ___ Earth is round.
- Write a sentence with a profession.
- Correct three article mistakes in your own examples.
Ready for the next level?
Free practice builds confidence. Live Zynospark classes add teacher explanation, correction, structured practice and feedback.
Explore online tuition →