beginnerArticles7 min

Articles: a, an and the

Use a/an for one thing that is new to the listener, and the for something specific or already known.

In your language

ആദ്യമായി പറയുന്ന ഒരു വസ്തുവിന് a/an, ഇരുവർക്കും അറിയാവുന്ന പ്രത്യേക വസ്തുവിന് the ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നു. മലയാളത്തിൽ ഇതിന് നേർ തുല്യമില്ലാത്തതിനാൽ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കണം.

a or an?

It's about sound, not spelling: an apple, an hour, a university, a European.

I need an umbrella.
She is a university student.
It took an hour.

Jobs and roles

Use a/an before a job when talking about one person.

I am an engineer.
My mother is a teacher.

When to use the

Specific places and things both people know: the office, the station, the sun.

I reached the office at nine.
Can you close the door?

Common mistakes

I am engineer.
I am an engineer.
He is a honest man.
He is an honest man.

Quick quiz

1. She bought ___ umbrella.
2. He is ___ doctor.
3. Please switch off ___ fan.