what is difference between definite and indefinite article ?

Dear student,

'A' is an indefinite article which is placed before countable nouns. They are used to refer to any particular person, place or thing. 'A' is used before words beginning with consonant sound. 

1. A white cow.

2. A funny joker

3. A steam engine

'An' is an indefinite article. It is used before vowel sounds such as a, e, i, o and u. The usage of 'An' usually indicates that the countable noun begins with a vowel. Even 'an' is used not to refer to any particular region, person or thing.

1. An ugly duckling.

2. An umbrella

3. An egg.

When we specifically know about the thing, person or place being discussed, we use the definite article 'the'.

1. THE SUN

2. THE STORY OF THE HAIR AND THE TORTOISE

3. THE GANGES

Here, different things such as the sun, the particular story and the river Ganges are particularly the one mentioned as one and only with a unique identity.

Regards