Lesson 5 of 46

Articles: a, an, the

Know when to use a/an, the, or no article at all.

The rules

  1. 1.Use a/an for one non-specific singular noun, usually the first time you mention it: "I bought a laptop."
  2. 2.Use the when both you and the reader know which one you mean: "The laptop is fast." Also for unique things: the sun, the internet.
  3. 3.Use no article for plural or uncountable nouns in general: "I like music." "Dogs are loyal."
  4. 4.A or an depends on the sound, not the spelling: an hour, an MBA, a university, a one-time offer.

Common mistakes and fixes

Incorrect: She is engineer.

Correct: She is an engineer.

Jobs and roles need a/an.

Incorrect: Please send me report.

Correct: Please send me the report.

You mean a specific report.

Incorrect: I went to the Bangalore.

Correct: I went to Bangalore.

Most city and country names take no article.

Watch out: If the noun is one specific thing both of you know, you probably need "the". If it is a general idea, try no article.

Quick quiz

1. She works as ___ accountant.
2. I love ___ music.
3. I saw a movie last night. ___ movie was great.

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