Articles are one of the foundational topics in English grammar, commonly tested in competitive exams like SSC, Banking, and RRB. In this blog, we have provided the definition of English grammar articles, their importance, types, question patterns, tricks for fast solving, solved questions from 2024–25 exams, and more.
What Is Articles in English?
Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific. The three main articles in English are:
- A (indefinite)
- An (indefinite, used before vowels)
- The (definite)
Why it appears in exams:
Articles test your basic grammar knowledge, attention to context, and sentence flow.
Skills required:
- Logic: Deciding when to use definite vs indefinite
- Observation: Spotting countable vs uncountable nouns
- Contextual understanding: Identifying general vs specific references
Why Is Articles Important in Competitive Exams?
Articles are a scoring yet often overlooked topic in English exams.
| Exam | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
| SSC CGL / CHSL | 1–2 | Easy |
| IBPS PO / SBI PO | 1–2 | Moderate |
| RRB NTPC / Group D | 1 | Easy |
| State PSC / Police | 1–2 | Moderate |
Articles English Short Notes
Types of articles most commonly used to solve questions are as follows:
| Term | Details |
| A | Used before singular, countable nouns starting with a consonant sound |
| An | Used before singular, countable nouns starting with a vowel sound |
| The | Used before specific nouns (singular/plural, countable/uncountable) |
| Zero Article | No article is used with plural or uncountable nouns when speaking generally |
Logical patterns:
- Use “a/an” for first mentions, non-specific items
- Use “the” for second mentions, known items, superlatives, or unique objects
Quick Revision Summary
Concepts most commonly used to solve questions based on the topic of articles are as follows:
| Concept | Details |
| Indefinite Article | ‘A’/‘An’ for non-specific nouns |
| Definite Article | ‘The’ for specific nouns |
| Vowel Rule | Use ‘An’ before vowel sounds, not just letters |
| Plural/Uncountable | Usually no article unless specific |
| Superlative | Always use ‘The’ with superlatives |
| Proper Nouns | Use ‘The’ with names of rivers, oceans, monuments |
What Are the Types of Articles Questions in English?
Articles questions in exams generally include:
- Fill in the Blanks – Choose correct article in a sentence
- Error Detection – Identify incorrect article usage
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – Pick the grammatically correct sentence
- Sentence Improvement – Replace wrong articles with correct ones
Articles Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams
Tricks that can be used to solve questions based on articles are as follows:
- Identify singular vs plural nouns first
- Spot if the noun is specific or general
- Apply vowel vs consonant sound rule for A/An
- Use The with superlatives and unique objects
- Skip articles for general plural/uncountable nouns
- Re-read sentence to check context consistency
Solved Articles Questions from 2024–25 Exams
1. SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1 – Shift 2 (Memory-Based)
Question: She adopted ___ dog from the shelter.
Answer: a
Explanation: First mention, non-specific, singular countable noun → use A
2. IBPS PO Prelims 2024
Question: Mount Everest is ___ highest mountain in the world.
Answer: the
Explanation: Superlative → always use The
3. RRB NTPC 2024
Question: ___ water in the river was very clean.
Answer: The
Explanation: Specific known water (river mentioned) → use The
4. SSC CHSL 2024
Question: She likes ___ apples and bananas.
Answer: zero article (no article)
Explanation: Plural, general statement → no article
Articles Concepts for Bank Exams
In bank exams, IBPS/SBI often ask context-based blanks:
- Example: “The manager gave ___ advice that changed the branch’s performance.”
- Correct Answer: some (sometimes testing zero article logic with uncountable nouns)
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Articles
Common mistakes to avoid while solving questions based on articles are as follows:
- Using A/An with plural nouns – avoid by checking singularity
- Confusing vowel sound vs consonant letters – focus on pronunciation
- Skipping The with superlatives – remember “highest, best, only”
- Using articles with general plural/uncountable nouns – omit articles
- Ignoring context (first mention vs second mention) – re-read sentence
FAQs
Three: a, an (indefinite), and the (definite).
Generally, no; but the can be used with specific uncountable nouns.
Usually no, except in cases like the Ganges or the Himalayas.
Articles are omitted before uncountable or plural nouns when speaking generally.
Yes, the is always used: the best, the tallest.
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