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Articles: A, An, The

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

Beginner 2 min read

What is it?

Articles are small words that come before nouns. A and an are indefinite (any one). The is definite (a specific one). Sometimes we use no article at all.

When to use it

A / an: one thing, mentioned for the first time, or a job: I saw a dog. She’s an engineer.
The: something specific or already mentioned: The dog was very friendly.
The: unique things: the sun, the internet, the government.
No article: things in general (plural or uncountable): Dogs are loyal. I love music.

When not to use it

Don’t use a/an with uncountable nouns (advice, information, furniture) or plurals. Don’t usually use the with names of people, most countries and cities, or meals: I had lunch with Monica in Dhaka.

How to build it

Article	Use before	Example
a	a consonant sound	a book, a university, a European city
an	a vowel sound	an apple, an hour, an MBA
the	a specific or unique noun	the book on the table

Examples

I need an umbrella.
Can you close the door, please?
Joe wants to be a pilot.
Coffee keeps me awake. (coffee in general)

Common mistakes

She is doctor.She is a doctor.
I waited for a hour.I waited for an hour.
The life is beautiful.Life is beautiful.

Memory tip

Listen, don’t look. Choose a or an by the first sound, not the first letter: a uniform (“yoo”), an hour (silent h).

Joe & Monica

Monica: I bought a new book yesterday.

Joe: Oh, is it the book you told me about?

Monica: Yes! It’s an amazing story about a girl who travels the world.

Interactive Practice

Pick an answer to check your understanding.

Question 1 of 5

My sister is ___ architect.

Question 2 of 5

I waited for ___ hour.

Question 3 of 5

___ sun rises in the east.

Question 4 of 5

He studies at ___ university in Chattogram.

Question 5 of 5