Holiday traditions (what kind) tall man (what kind)
That child (which one) these books (which ones)
Twelve days (how many) several students (how many)
The words a, an, and the are called articles. They are used before nouns or before words that modify, or describe, nouns.
Use a before singular words that begin with a consonant sound: a turkey.
Use an before singular words that begin with a vowel sound or a silent h: an elevator.
Use the before singular or plural words beginning with any letter: the skyscraper; the elephants.
Avoid Confusing Adjectives with Adverbs.
Adjectives tell more about nouns and pronouns, while adverbs tell more about verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. A common error involves confusing the words good, and adjective, and well, an adverb.
Irving has a good piano. (good, an adjective, tells more about the piano.)
He plays it well. (well, an adverb, tells more about the verb plays.)