A, an, the: what's the difference?

a / an / the

grammar (articles)/ə, æn, ðə/ 🔊 listen

a, an, the are among the most confused grammar points. In short: a/an is indefinite (any one), the is definite (the specific, known one).

1a = singular before a consonant sound

"a cat, a book" — (indefinite)

2an = singular before a vowel sound

"an apple, an hour" — (silent h)

3the = the specific, known one

"the sun, the book I bought" — (definite)

4no article = general/plural/uncountable

"I like music." — (general)

a → consonant soundan → vowel soundthe → specific

❓ Which is correct?