An article is a word that combines with a noun to indicate the type of reference being made by the noun, and to specify the volume or numerical scope of that reference. The three main articles in the English language are the, an and a. An article is sometimes called a noun marker, although this is generally considered to be an archaic term.^[1]

Articles are traditionally considered to form a separate part of speech. They can be also thought of as a special kind of adjective, because they combine with a noun and contribute to the meaning of the noun phrase. Linguists place them in the category of determiners.

Articles can have various functions:^[2]

• A definite article (English the) is used before singular and plural nouns that refer to a particular member of a group.

The cat is on the red mat.

• An indefinite article (English a, an) is used before singular nouns that refer to any member of a group.

A cat is a mammal.