English Grammar Hub
← All topics
CEFR A1Recommended grades: 3–5

Articles: a / an / the

01 · Quick explanation

A / an = one, any, not specific. The = a specific thing we both know.

02 · Full explanation

Use a / an only with singular countable nouns. Choose by sound: a before a consonant sound (a book, a university), an before a vowel sound (an apple, an hour). Use the when the thing is already mentioned, when there is only one (the sun, the Moon), and with superlatives (the best). Use no article for plural or uncountable nouns in general (Dogs are friendly. I like music), and usually before names of people, cities and most countries.

First mention → a / anSecond mention → theUnique things → theGeneral plural → no article

03 · Formula

+a + consonant sound / an + vowel sound
−the + specific or known noun
?Ø (no article) + plural / uncountable in general

04 · Affirmative

+ a + consonant sound / an + vowel sound

  • I have a cat and an umbrella.
  • The cat is black.

05 · Negative

− the + specific or known noun

  • She isn't a teacher.
  • I don't like the film we saw.

06 · Question

? Ø (no article) + plural / uncountable in general

  • Is there a bank near here?
  • Where is the bank?

07 · Examples

  • ENI saw a dog. The dog was very big.

    KZМен бір ит көрдім. Ит өте үлкен еді.

    RUЯ увидел собаку. Собака была очень большая.

  • ENShe is an engineer.

    KZОл — инженер.

    RUОна инженер.

  • ENThe sun is a star.

    KZКүн — жұлдыз.

    RUСолнце — это звезда.

  • ENI like apples.

    KZМен алма жақсы көремін.

    RUЯ люблю яблоки.

  • ENIt takes an hour to get there.

    KZОл жерге жету үшін бір сағат кетеді.

    RUДорога туда занимает час.

  • ENThere is a cat on the sofa.

    KZДиванда бір мысық жатыр.

    RUНа диване лежит кошка.

  • ENCan you close the door, please?

    KZЕсікті жауып жібересің бе?

    RUЗакрой, пожалуйста, дверь.

  • ENHe wants to be an actor.

    KZОл актер болғысы келеді.

    RUОн хочет стать актёром.

  • ENChildren like sweets.

    KZБалалар тәтті жақсы көреді.

    RUДети любят сладкое.

  • ENMount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.

    KZЭверест — әлемдегі ең биік тау.

    RUЭверест — самая высокая гора в мире.

08 · Signal words

first mentiononly onesuperlativejob: a / anvowel soundconsonant sound

09 · Common mistakes

  • ✗ She is teacher.

    ✓ She is a teacher.

    Jobs need a / an.

  • ✗ a apple

    ✓ an apple

    Apple starts with a vowel sound → an.

  • ✗ The life is beautiful.

    ✓ Life is beautiful.

    Uncountable noun in general → no article.

10 · Compare with similar grammar

a / an vs the

A / an introduces something new. The points to something both speakers can identify.

Can I borrow a pen?

Can I borrow the pen on your desk?

We stayed in a hotel.

The hotel was near the sea.

11 · Interactive exercises

Answer each task and press Check. Type answers in English.

0 / 10 · 0 checked

  1. 1. Choose the correct answer:

    I eat ___ orange every morning.

  2. 2. Choose the correct answer:

    He is ___ university student.

  3. 3. Choose the correct answer:

    ___ Moon goes around the Earth.

  4. 4. Fill in the gap:

    I bought a book. ___ book is about space.

  5. 5. Fill in the gap:

    My mother is ___ doctor.

  6. 6. Fill in the gap:

    We waited for ___ hour.

  7. 7. Choose the correct answer:

    This is ___ best day of my life.

  8. 8. Choose the correct answer:

    I love ___ music.

  9. 9. Correct the sentence:

    She has a umbrella.

  10. 10. Correct the sentence:

    My father is engineer.

12 · Mini test

Question 1 / 5

Which sentence is correct?

13 · Practice

Choose a skill to practise this topic.

Practice this topic →