A2daily

Articles - Daily English

Type your answer in each blank and press Enter to check it, or use Check answers below. A cue in (brackets) is the word to put in the right form.

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 usually have apple for breakfast.
  2. Can you pass me salt, please?
  3. He wants to buy new car next month.
  4. sun is very bright today.
  5. We live in small house near the park.
  6. She is honest person.
  7. They are staying at expensive hotel.
  8. I saw amazing movie last night.
  9. Where is key to the front door?
  10. My brother is engineer.
  11. We need to buy milk at the supermarket.
  12. Look at moon in the sky!
  13. She has cat and a dog.
  14. Do you have umbrella I can borrow?
  15. It is beautiful day today.
  16. He plays guitar very well.
  17. I have idea for our weekend trip.
  18. weather is quite cold this week.
  19. They go to school by bus every morning.
  20. She is reading interesting book.
  21. Can I have glass of water?
  22. capital of France is Paris.
  23. My father is doctor at this hospital.
  24. We ate lunch at a cafe.
  25. I need new pair of shoes.

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.'