Article : Use of Articles for Class 4 English

Articles are converters that appear before noun phrases or nouns. They are noun markers that aims to specify if the noun is specific or general. In this chapter students of class 4 will know the use of articles in sentences and common errors that could crop up while using them.

From this learning concept students will also learn:

• Types of Articles
• Usage of these in a certain context.
• Rules of articles in English grammar
• Sentences using articles

All the learning concepts covered for Class 4 on the website have concept maps, illustrations, and examples explained. Students can check their topic-related skills by solving the two printable use of articles worksheets. These worksheets consist of topic-specific exercises. These worksheets on articles with answers are also available in easy-to-understand PDF format.

Definition:

In grammar, the three words like ‘a’, ‘an’, & ‘the’ are called articles. These words are placed before a noun.Articles identify whether a noun is definite (particular) or indefinite (general). For this purpose,articles are divided into two types.

1. The Indefinite articles

The words ‘a’ and‘an’are called indefinite articles. They do not refer to any specific person,place, or thing. We use ‘a’and ‘an’ before singular nouns.
For example, a cat, a fan, a jug, a kite, a swan, a tiger, a van, etc.
‘An’ is used before a word with a vowel letter. For instance, an apple, an umbrella, an ox, an elephant, etc.

Example : 

2. Definite Article

The definite article ‘the’is used to show a specific person, place,thing or quality.

1. ‘The’ is used before unique objects.

   Examples:

   1. The moon shines bright.
   2. Will you pass me the book?
2. ‘The’ is also used before the names of mountains, rivers, deserts, etc.

    Examples:

   1. The Sahara Desert is the biggest desert.
   2. When there is a flood in the Ganges, it causes significant damage.
3. 'The’is used before numerals like first, second, third.

   Examples:

   1. The last benchers make a lot of noise.
   2. He was the firstin the queue.
4. The’ is used with the superlative form of adjectives.

   Examples:

   1. They are the richest in town.
   2. This is the best dress ever.

Common Mistakes

1. Identifying a Profession

   In addition to identifying an unspecific noun, we also use the indefinite article a/an to talk about someone’s profession.

   Example:

   1. Are you teacher? ❌
   2. Are you a teacher? ✅
2. Uncountable Nouns

   In addition to plural nouns, the indefinite articles a/an cannot be used with uncountable nouns. They cannot be counted individually.

   1. 1. 1. Would you like a coffee? ❌
         2. Would you like coffee? ✅