Articles - The noun Modifiers!

Nouns are used to identify a person, place, animal, thing or an idea. We all need to modify ourselves to become a better person or to improve ourselves. So does the nouns! Modifications are for good of the person himself, for the well being of the society and to add on positivity in the society. But, it should be ensured that the modifications happen on the good side otherwise it will not fulfill its cause. Now there are certain terms which modify the nouns. One of these terms is articles. But, the question is what actually the articles are?

Definition of Articles

Articles are the noun modifiers. They basically are those words which are used to modify a noun. They are used to refer or to point out the nouns. They also are used to specify the noun’s grammatical definiteness and thus are an essential part of the English grammar.

Difference between Articles and Adjectives

Articles are basically the adjectives which are used for the modification of the nouns. But there is one big difference between the articles and the nouns.

Adjectives are the words used to describe the nouns. They are often called as the “Describing words". Adjectives add beauty to the nouns. It enables you to explain the quality or the features of the noun.

But the articles are the words which modify a noun or combines with a noun to refer or indicate the type of reference which is being made by the noun. It enhances the message which is to be conveyed by the nouns. Articles add-on meaning to the nouns. Hence, they are known as the noun modifiers.

Classification of Articles

Articles are classified into two types that is definite articles and the indefinite articles.

We will know about them one by one.

 Definite Articles are those articles which are specific or definite in nature. It is something which is highly specified and mentioned by the speaker. It can be used with the forms, singular form and the plural form. It can also be used with the uncountable nouns.

The examples of the definite articles are as follows:

1. Please give me the pencil.
2. Please give me the pink pencil; the black pencil is too small.

3. Can I bring my desk in the middle of the class?

4. Be quiet

! Here comes the Headmistress.

Indefinite Articles are those which are not specific or definite in nature. It basically deals with the generalization that is they do not refer to a particular idea or a thing but refers to people or ideas which are quiet general.

It includes two forms such as an indefinite article “a" precedes a consonant while an indefinite article “an" precedes a vowel. It is only used with the singular nouns. The examples of the indefinite articles are as follows:

1. Please hand over me a pen, no matter blue or black.
2. Today I met an old friend.
3. A nurse works in a hospital.

Hope you are comfortable with the articles and its types. So, now it’s time for a quick Recap.

Recap

1. Articles add-on meaning to the nouns. Hence, they are known as the noun modifiers.

• Indefinite Articles are those which are not specific or definite in nature.

So, this was all the basics of adjectives. Hope this makes your concepts clearer!