4. Articles before Countable and Uncountable Nouns

'A' & 'An'

A  and an  have the same meaning and as they both mean one , they are used only before a singular countable noun (a hat). We do not place either of them before a plural noun or an uncountable noun.

Examples:

  • He who kills animals illegally is a poacher .
  • His father works as  an accountant  in a multi-national company.

The

We use the  before the following types of nouns.

Examples:

Singular countable noun:

  • The serial killer has struck again.

Plural countable noun:

  • Rebel forces killed two of the soldiers .

Uncountable noun:

  • The sand  blown by strong wind covered the entire area.

Proper noun:

  • The Brown family  whom you have been waiting for has arrived.

Zero Article

We use the zero article before the following types of nouns:

Examples:

Plural countable noun:

  • Dogs  bark all the time.
  • Most of them who spend time at this coastal resort are tourists .

Uncountable noun (always singular):

  • Rice  is currently in short supply in the province.
  • Drug overdose caused his death.

Proper noun:

  • Rome  is a great city.
  • Her first language is English .