A1/A2 - English Articles Explained: 'A,' 'An,' and 'The'
Can you use the articles ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ correctly. Take a look at the articles’ explanation below and test yourself with the final quiz at the bottom of the page. Discover essential A1/A2 English grammar principles on this page, tailored for beginners seeking a solid foundation in language learning
Single noun articles
Indefinite articles – We use ‘a’ or ‘an’ if we want to talk about a single thing that is part of a group. We also use it when talking about something for the first time.
I went to a new restaurant last week.
Do you want an apple?
If the word that follows the article begins with a vowel (a,e,i,o,u) we use the ‘an’ article. If the word uses a consonant (not a vowel) then we use the article ‘a’.
She has an elephant.
I will eat a pie today
Definite articles –’The’ is used when there is only 1 of something, or we already know the subject of the conversation, as it has been said before, or implied.
Did you feed the cat?
I am taking the bus to school.
Can you pass me the salt, it’s next to the cup
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Specific Groups articles
When talking about a specific group of something, we use the.
We went to the zoo to see the elephants.
The sandwiches at the cafe were delicious.
We went to all of the classes he did.
Jobs articles
The is usually ‘a’ or ‘an’, before we use a job.
I’m an architect.
My aunt is a nurse.
General things articles
If we are not being specific, we don’t need to use any article:
People like chocolate.
Athletes train in gyms.
Planes transport things.
Also, some special cases where no articles are used, home, countries, cities:
I will take the plane to Thailand
I am driving to London.
Let’s go home.
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