English Class 5 - Articles Notes

Articles

Welcome to the chapter on Articles for Class 5. In this chapter, you will learn about the articles "a", "an", and "the", their rules, and how to use them correctly in sentences. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to identify and use articles with confidence!

Introduction

Articles are small words that come before nouns. They help us talk about things in a clear and specific way. The three articles in English are a, an, and the.

Indefinite Articles: "a" and "an"

a and an are called indefinite articles. We use them when we talk about something for the first time or something that is not specific.

• a is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.
  Example: a book, a car, a dog
• an is used before words that begin with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).
  Example: an apple, an umbrella, an elephant

Definite Article: "the"

the is called the definite article. We use it when we talk about something specific or something we already know.

• the sun
• the tallest building
• the book on the table

Rules for Using Articles

• Do not use "a" or "an" with plural nouns. Example: a cat, but not a cats.
• Do not use "a" or "an" with names of people or places. Example: a Rohan (incorrect).
• Use "the" with unique things. Example: the Earth, the sky.
• Use "an" before silent "h" words. Example: an hour.

Fun Activity: Spot the Article!

Read a short story or paragraph and underline all the articles you find. Try making your own sentences using "a", "an", and "the".

Summary

• a and an are used for non-specific things.
• the is used for specific or known things.
• Articles help make sentences clear and correct.

Practice Questions

1. Fill in the blank: I saw ___ elephant in the zoo.
2. Fill in the blank: She is ___ honest girl.
3. Fill in the blank: ___ moon shines at night.
4. Fill in the blank: He bought ___ orange and ___ apple.
5. Fill in the blank: ___ Taj Mahal is in Agra.

Challenge Yourself

• Write five sentences using all three articles.
• Find five things in your classroom and use articles with their names.

Did You Know?

• "The" is the most frequently used word in English!
• Some words can use "an" even if they start with a consonant, like "an hour".

Glossary

• Article: A word used before a noun (a, an, the).
• Noun: A naming word (person, place, animal, or thing).
• Vowel: The letters a, e, i, o, u.
• Consonant: All other letters except a, e, i, o, u.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. an
2. an
3. The
4. an, an
5. The

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Use "a", "an", and "the" to make your English clear and correct!