A2business

Articles - Business English

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English has three articles: the indefinite articles "a" and "an", and the definite article "the". Use "a" or "an" before a singular countable noun when you mention it for the first time or when it is one of many: "I have a meeting at three." Choose "an" before a vowel sound, not just a vowel letter: "an interview", "an hour" (the h is silent), but "a university" (it begins with a "y" sound). Use "the" when both you and the listener know which specific thing you mean, often because it was mentioned before or there is only one: "The meeting starts at three. The report I sent is on the second page." Use no article (the zero article) with plural and uncountable nouns spoken about in general: "Meetings waste time" and "I need advice." A common pitfall for learners is dropping the article where English requires one: say "I work as an accountant" and "I sent the client an email," not "I work as accountant" or "I sent client email." Note that "the" can be used with singular, plural, or uncountable nouns, while "a/an" is only for singular countable nouns.

Let's practise. Type each answer and press Enter, I'll check it with you.

  1. I have meeting with a client at 10:00 AM.
  2. She is manager of the marketing department.
  3. We need to send email to the director immediately.
  4. Mr. Jones is important client for our company.
  5. They are working on new project this month.
  6. Could you please sign contract on the last page?
  7. He wants to become CEO of this firm one day.
  8. We have appointment with the legal team tomorrow.
  9. Is there office available on the third floor?
  10. Please read report I sent you yesterday.
  11. She gave presentation about the quarterly results.
  12. It was honor to meet the founder of the company.
  13. We are looking for assistant to help the team.
  14. The team is discussing budget for next year.
  15. I need pen to sign these documents.
  16. They live in large office building downtown.
  17. He is expert in international trade.
  18. Can you provide update on the current situation?
  19. We must reach agreement before the end of the week.
  20. She is most productive employee in our branch.
  21. I will send you invoice by the end of the day.
  22. Is this desk you reserved for the intern?
  23. We need to hire new developer for the software team.
  24. They are preparing agenda for the board meeting.
  25. He works in accounting department.

Common questions

What is the difference between 'a' and 'the'?

Use 'a' (or 'an') to introduce something new or non-specific that the listener does not yet have in mind: 'I'm writing a report.' Use 'the' when you both know which specific thing is meant, often because it was already mentioned or it is unique: 'The report is due on Friday.' First time 'a', second time 'the'.

When do I use 'a' and when do I use 'an'?

Choose based on sound, not spelling. Use 'an' before a vowel sound: 'an email', 'an interview', 'an honest answer', 'an MBA' (em-sound). Use 'a' before a consonant sound: 'a meeting', 'a CV', 'a one-to-one' (begins with a 'w' sound), 'a European client' (begins with a 'y' sound). Listen to the first sound of the next word.

When should I use no article at all?

Use no article (the zero article) with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns when you speak generally: 'Deadlines cause stress' and 'I need feedback.' Also use no article with most names, languages, and many fixed phrases: 'I work at Microsoft', 'in English', 'go to work', 'by email'. Add 'the' only when you mean something specific: 'the feedback you gave me yesterday.'