FluencyLab
GrammarHub
Choose articles according to first mention, specificity, uniqueness, general reference and common fixed patterns.
Overview
Choose articles according to first mention, specificity, uniqueness, general reference and common fixed patterns.
Form and rules
Use a/an for one non-specific singular countable noun and for first mention.
Use the when both speaker and listener can identify the noun, or when it is unique in the context.
Use no article for plural/uncountable nouns when speaking generally: Cars are expensive; Information is useful.
Use the with superlatives and many ordinal expressions: the best, the first time.
Article choice depends on sound, not spelling: an hour, a university.
A closer look
Use the with superlatives and many ordinal expressions: the best, the first time.
Article choice depends on sound, not spelling: an hour, a university.
Examples
I bought a book. The book is excellent.
The sun is shining.
Children need sleep.
This is the best option.
She studies at a university near here.
Common mistakes
A singular countable noun mentioned non-specifically needs a/an.
The context makes the window identifiable.
Ready to practise?
The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.