Article vs. Preposition: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 4, 2023
An "Article" is a word that introduces a noun (like "a" or "the"), while a "Preposition" shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words (like "in" or "under").
Key Differences
Articles and Prepositions are foundational elements in English grammar. While an "Article" is a word that introduces and modifies a noun, a "Preposition" typically links nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence.
In the English language, there are definite and indefinite articles. The definite article is "the," and the indefinite articles are "a" and "an." Prepositions, on the other hand, are words like "in," "on," "under," "between," and "with" that indicate a relationship or position in space, time, or manner.
Imagine a sentence like "The cat is on the table." In this example, "The" is an Article that specifies a particular cat. "On" is a Preposition that shows the position of the cat relative to the table.
The role of an Article in a sentence is relatively straightforward since English primarily uses only three articles. However, the role of a Preposition can be more complex due to the variety of prepositions available and the nuances they can introduce.
Using Articles and Prepositions correctly can significantly influence the meaning of a sentence. For example, changing the Preposition in "She is in the room" to "She is by the room" shifts the meaning, just as changing the Article in "A book" to "The book" alters its specificity.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Word that introduces and modifies a noun.
Word that relates a noun or pronoun to another word.
Function
Specifies or introduces a noun.
Indicates relationships of position, time, or manner.
Examples
The, a, an.
In, on, under, between, with.
Count
Limited to three in English.
Numerous and can convey varied relationships.
Usage
Directly before a noun.
Can be placed in various positions in a sentence.
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Article and Preposition Definitions
Article
A determiner that points to a particular noun or class of nouns.
She is an expert in her field.
Preposition
A term that shows position, direction, time, or manner in a sentence.
They sat by the river.
Article
A modifier that introduces a noun in a sentence.
I saw a movie yesterday.
Preposition
A grammatical term that expresses spatial, temporal, or other relationships.
They met before noon.
Article
A grammatical element that helps clarify the reference of a noun.
She read the book you recommended.
Preposition
A word that links and relates the object of the preposition to the rest of the sentence.
She is fond of chocolate.
Article
An individual thing or element of a class; a particular object or item
An article of clothing.
Articles of food.
Preposition
A word that indicates the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence.
The book is on the table.
Article
A particular section or item of a series in a written document, as in a contract, constitution, or treaty.
Preposition
A word or phrase placed typically before a substantive and indicating the relation of that substantive to a verb, an adjective, or another substantive, as English at, by, with, from, and in regard to.
Article
A nonfictional literary composition that forms an independent part of a publication, as of a newspaper or magazine.
Preposition
To position or place in position in advance
Artillery that was prepositioned at strategic points in the desert.
Article
The part of speech used to indicate nouns and to specify their application.
Preposition
Any of a class of non-inflecting words typically employed to connect a following noun or a pronoun, in an adjectival or adverbial sense, with some other word: a particle used with a noun or pronoun (in English always in the objective case) to make a phrase limiting some other word.
Article
Any of the words belonging to this part of speech. In English, the indefinite articles are a and an and the definite article is the.
Preposition
An adposition.
Article
A particular part or subject; a specific matter or point.
Preposition
(obsolete) A proposition; an exposition; a discourse.
Article
To bind by articles set forth in a contract, such as one of apprenticeship.
Preposition
To place in a location before some other event occurs.
It is important to preposition the material before turning on the machine.
Article
A piece of nonfictional writing such as a story, report, opinion piece, or entry in a newspaper, magazine, journal, dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.
Preposition
A word employed to connect a noun or a pronoun, in an adjectival or adverbial sense, with some other word; a particle used with a noun or pronoun (in English always in the objective case) to make a phrase limiting some other word; - so called because usually placed before the word with which it is phrased; as, a bridge of iron; he comes from town; it is good for food; he escaped by running.
Article
An object, a member of a group or class.
An article of clothing
A sales article
Preposition
A proposition; an exposition; a discourse.
He made a long preposition and oration.
Article
(grammar) A part of speech that indicates, specifies and limits a noun (a, an, or the in English). In some languages the article may appear as an ending (e.g. definite article in Swedish) or there may be none (e.g. Russian, Pashto).
Preposition
A function word that combines with a noun or pronoun or noun phrase to form a prepositional phrase that can have an adverbial or adjectival relation to some other word
Article
A section of a legal document, bylaws, etc. or, in the plural, the entire document seen as a collection of these.
The Articles of War are a set of regulations...to govern the conduct of...military...forces
Preposition
(linguistics) the placing of one linguistic element before another (as placing a modifier before the word it modifies in a sentence or placing an affix before the base to which it is attached)
Article
A genuine article.
Preposition
A word preceding a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element.
The cat jumped over the fence.
Article
A part or segment of something joined to other parts, or, in combination, forming a structured set.
Each of the chelicerae is composed of two articles, forming a powerful pincer.
Article
A person; an individual.
A shrewd article
Article
(archaic) A wench.
She's a prime article (whip slang), she's a devilish good piece, a hell of a goer.
Article
(dated) Subject matter; concern.
Article
(dated) A distinct part.
Article
(obsolete) A precise point in time; a moment.
Article
(transitive) To bind by articles of apprenticeship.
To article an apprentice to a mechanic
Article
(obsolete) To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles or accusations.
Article
To formulate in articles; to set forth in distinct particulars.
Article
A distinct portion of an instrument, discourse, literary work, or any other writing, consisting of two or more particulars, or treating of various topics; as, an article in the Constitution. Hence: A clause in a contract, system of regulations, treaty, or the like; a term, condition, or stipulation in a contract; a concise statement; as, articles of agreement.
Article
A literary composition, forming an independent portion of a magazine, newspaper, or cyclopedia.
Article
Subject; matter; concern; distinct.
A very great revolution that happened in this article of good breeding.
This last article will hardly be believed.
Article
A distinct part.
The articles which compose the blood.
Article
A particular one of various things; as, an article of merchandise; salt is a necessary article.
They would fight not for articles of faith, but for articles of food.
Article
Precise point of time; moment.
This fatal news coming to Hick's Hall upon the article of my Lord Russell's trial, was said to have had no little influence on the jury and all the bench to his prejudice.
Article
One of the three words, a, an, the, used before nouns to limit or define their application. A (or an) is called the indefinite article, the the definite article.
Article
One of the segments of an articulated appendage.
Article
To formulate in articles; to set forth in distinct particulars.
If all his errors and follies were articled against him, the man would seem vicious and miserable.
Article
To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles.
He shall be articled against in the high court of admiralty.
Article
To bind by articles of covenant or stipulation; as, to article an apprentice to a mechanic.
Article
To agree by articles; to stipulate; to bargain; to covenant.
Then he articled with her that he should go away when he pleased.
Article
Nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
Article
One of a class of artifacts;
An article of clothing
Article
A separate section of a legal document (as a statute or contract or will)
Article
(grammar) a determiner that may indicate the specificity of reference of a noun phrase
Article
Bind by a contract; especially for a training period
Article
A word that specifies or introduces a noun.
The sun is shining brightly.
Article
A word used before nouns to specify grammatical definiteness.
I'd like an apple, please.
FAQs
What's the main role of a Preposition?
A Preposition indicates the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence.
Can a word ever function as both an Article and a Preposition?
No, an Article and a Preposition have distinct functions and are not interchangeable.
Why is it essential to use articles correctly in English?
Using the right Article helps clarify the specificity or generality of a noun, impacting the sentence's meaning.
Can I omit an Article from a sentence?
Sometimes, yes. Some nouns don't require an Article, especially in certain contexts or when discussing generalities.
What is the primary function of an Article?
An Article introduces and modifies a noun in a sentence.
Can prepositions also link verbs or adjectives?
Indirectly, yes. Prepositions link to nouns or pronouns, but these can modify or relate to verbs or adjectives.
Are there fixed rules for preposition usage?
While there are guidelines, Preposition usage often depends on idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases.
How many types of articles are there in English?
In English, there are two types: the definite Article ("the") and the indefinite articles ("a" and "an").
Is it ever appropriate to drop the Article in English?
In some cases, yes. For instance, we might say "She's in school" instead of "She's in the school."
Do all languages have articles like English?
No, not all languages have Articles or use them in the same way English does.
Why are some phrases called "prepositional phrases"?
They're called that because they begin with a Preposition and include its object, often a noun or pronoun.
How can one determine the correct preposition to use in a sentence?
Choosing the right Preposition requires understanding its meaning and the relationship it denotes in context.
Why are prepositions considered challenging in English?
Prepositions can have multiple meanings and uses, making them tricky to master, especially for non-native speakers.
What happens if I use the wrong Article in a sentence?
Using the wrong Article might make a sentence sound unnatural or change its intended meaning.
Are prepositions always followed by nouns or pronouns?
Typically, yes. A Preposition usually introduces a prepositional phrase with a noun or pronoun as its object.
Can a sentence have multiple prepositions?
Absolutely. E.g., "He's in the room by the window on the left."
How can I improve my usage of Articles and Prepositions?
Regular practice, reading, and listening to native speakers can help improve your usage of Articles and Prepositions.
Why are there indefinite and definite articles?
Indefinite articles introduce non-specific nouns, while the definite Article points to specific or known nouns.
Can "an" be used before any noun?
No, "an" is used before nouns that start with a vowel sound, while "a" is used before nouns that start with a consonant sound.
Can prepositions be used at the end of sentences?
Yes, especially in informal English or in questions. E.g., "Who are you waiting for?"
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
