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Grammar Worksheet

Articles: A, An and The

A2–B1 a / an / the / ∅ (no article)
Explanation

Use a or an (indefinite) when something is mentioned for the first time or when it is one of many.

Use the (definite) when both speaker and listener know exactly which thing is meant.

Use no article (∅) with general plural or uncountable nouns, proper nouns, meals, and languages.

Form
ArticleWhen to useExamples
abefore consonant sounds; first mention; one of manya book, a car, a useful tool
anbefore vowel soundsan apple, an hour, an honest person
thespecific; second mention; only one of its kindthe book, the sun, the Eiffel Tower
∅general plural/uncountable; languages; meals; most proper nounsDogs are friendly. • I love music. • I eat breakfast at 8.

Tip:  ‘a/an’ = one of many (not specific)  •  ‘the’ = the specific one we both know about

⚠  Use ‘a’, not ‘an’, before a /j/ or /w/ sound:  a university  •  a one-way street

Examples
  1. I bought a new book. The book is really interesting.
  2. She works in an office in the city centre.
  3. The sun rises in the east.
  4. I had an egg and a piece of toast for breakfast.
  5. ∅ Dogs are very loyal animals.
  6. She speaks ∅ French and a little ∅ Italian.
  7. Can you close the window? It’s cold.
  8. He studies at a university in London.
Common Mistakes
Exercises
1 A, an, the, or ∅?

Write ‘a’, ‘an’, ‘the’, or ∅ (nothing) to complete each sentence.

_____ coffee is my favourite drink.  →  ∅ (coffee in general)

  1. I had apple for breakfast.
  2. Please close door — it’s cold.
  3. She is architect.
  4. Dogs make great pets.
  5. He saw old man in park.
2 Correct the mistake

Each sentence has one article mistake. Write the correct sentence.

  1. She is teacher at a local school.
  2. I watched an useful video online.
  3. The life is short — enjoy it.
  4. He loves a music, especially jazz.
3 A, an, the, or ∅?

Write the correct article or ∅ in each gap.

  1. I’d like glass of water, please.
  2. water in this bottle is very cold.
  3. She went to university in Paris.
  4. Have you seen news today?
  5. I usually eat breakfast at home.
4 Write your own

Write four sentences: one with ‘a’, one with ‘an’, one with ‘the’, and one with ∅.

  1. a:   I _____.
  2. an:   I _____.
  3. the:   The _____.
  4. ∅:   _____ (general noun) _____.
5 Choose the correct option

Underline the correct article (or ∅) for each sentence.

  1. I’m looking for a / the job. I saw a / the advert online.
  2. She plays a / the piano very well.
  3. Can you pass me a / the salt? It’s next to you.
  4. He wants to be a / the doctor when he grows up.
Speaking Activity

Describe your home, neighbourhood, or a recent trip to your partner.

Try to use ‘a’, ‘an’, ‘the’, and ∅ correctly. Your partner can note any mistakes.