What is the primary use of the article tag in HTML?

The article tag in HTML is primarily used to group together a self-contained piece of content that is relevant and can stand on its own. This could be a complete article, a blog post, a news story, or similar content that could be distributed or shared independently. By using the article tag, developers can mark up distinct sections of content, making it easier for search engines to understand the structure and significance of the information presented.

This tag is crucial for semantic HTML, as it improves accessibility and search engine optimization (SEO) by providing a clear representation of the content's purpose. When an article tag is implemented, it signals to browsers and assistive technologies that the content within it is a whole and useful piece of information.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of the article tag; while there are tags for creating clickable areas and managing line breaks, the article tag's specific intent is to encapsulate meaningful and standalone content, solidifying its correct usage as outlined.