What article is applicable for a dog at large? - briefly
The applicable article for a dog at large is "the" or "a".
What article is applicable for a dog at large? - in detail
When determining which indefinite article ("a" or "an") to use with the phrase "dog at large," it's essential to consider the sound that follows the article. The choice between "a" and "an" is governed by pronunciation rather than spelling.
In this case, the phrase "dog at large" begins with a vowel sound, specifically the long 'a' sound in "at." Therefore, the correct indefinite article to use is "an," as it is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. The proper construction would be "an dog at large." This usage adheres to standard English grammar rules, ensuring clarity and accuracy in communication.