Why Articles Are the #1 Mistake
Hindi doesn't have articles (a, an, the), so Hindi speakers constantly struggle with them. In IELTS, article errors are the most common grammar mistake — and they cost you marks in both Writing and Speaking.
Here are the simple rules to use articles correctly.
Rule 1: Use "A" or "An" Before Singular Countable Nouns
Use "a" before consonant sounds:
Use "An" before vowel sounds:
Remember: It's about SOUND, not spelling.
Rule 2: Use "The" for Specific Things
When both speaker and listener know what you're referring to:
When something is unique:
When you've already mentioned it:
Rule 3: No Article for General Plural/Uncountable Nouns
When talking about things in general:
Common mistake:
Rule 4: No Article for Most Proper Nouns
- ❌ "I live in the Delhi"
- ✅ "I live in Delhi"
Exceptions (use "the"):
Quick Decision Guide
Is it singular and countable? → Use a/an or the
Is it plural or uncountable in general? → No article
Is it specific (both know which one)? → Use the
Is it unique (sun, moon, internet)? → Use the
Common IELTS Mistakes
- ❌ "University is important" → ✅ "A university is important" or "University education is important"
- ❌ "I want to become doctor" → ✅ "I want to become a doctor"
- ❌ "The life is beautiful" → ✅ "Life is beautiful"
- ❌ "I read the newspaper every day" → ✅ "I read a newspaper every day" or "I read newspapers every day"
Practice
Write 10 sentences daily using articles. Check each one against the rules. After 2 weeks, articles will be natural.
Practice on Our Portal
Our Grammar Portal at grammar.bharatdn.com has dedicated article exercises with instant feedback. Practice daily for best results.
🎯 Practice What You Learned
Put these tips into action with our student practice portals:
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