How to Use Definite and Indefinite Articles

Khan Academy

This educational video provides a clear and accessible breakdown of English articles, specifically focusing on the differences between the definite article "the" and the indefinite articles "a" and "an." Using a digital whiteboard format, the narrator visually maps out the rules regarding specificity, number (singular vs. plural), and phonetic sounds. The video uses simple examples like requesting an orange to illustrate how word choice changes meaning based on whether the speaker wants *any* item or a *specific* item. The content explores three main grammatical rules: the distinction between definite (specific) and indefinite (non-specific) references, the constraints of singular versus plural nouns, and the phonetic rule for choosing between "a" and "an." A significant portion of the video is dedicated to the nuance of vowel *sounds* versus vowel *letters*, using tricky examples like "union" vs. "underwater" to explain why the sound determines the article rather than the spelling. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent tool for teaching grammar fundamentals to elementary students or English Language Learners (ELLs). It addresses common errors in student writing, such as mismatching articles with plural nouns (e.g., "an oranges") or using the wrong indefinite article before vowel sounds. The visual diagramming helps abstract grammatical terms become concrete, making it a valuable asset for writing workshops and grammar mini-lessons.