Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific. In English, there are two types of articles: definite and indefinite. The definite article is "the," which refers to a particular item, like the book on the table. Indefinite articles are "a" and "an," used for general items, such as a cat or an apple. Using articles correctly helps clarify meaning in sentences. For example, saying "I saw a dog" suggests any dog, while "I saw the dog" indicates a specific one. Understanding articles is essential for effective communication in English, making your speech and writing clearer.