English has only three article forms (a, an, the) plus the "zero article", yet they are hard for speakers of languages without articles. The rules below cover most situations.
A or an: depends on the sound
Use an before a vowel sound and a before a consonant sound. Spelling does not matter, only pronunciation.
- an apple, an egg, an hour (silent h), an MBA (starts with "em")
- a university (starts with "yoo"), a European country, a one-way street (starts with "w")
A/an: one of many
Use a/an with singular countable nouns when the listener does not know which one, or when you mention something for the first time.
- I bought a jacket yesterday.
- She is an engineer.
- We need a volunteer.
The: a specific, known thing
Use the when both speaker and listener know exactly which thing is meant.
- Second mention: "I bought a jacket. The jacket is blue."
- Only one exists: the sun, the Internet, the president.
- Clear from context: "Close the door, please."
- Superlatives: the best, the tallest, the first.
No article (zero article)
- Plural and uncountable nouns in general: "Dogs are loyal." "Water is essential."
- Most names of people, cities and countries: Maria, Paris, Japan (but the United States, the Netherlands).
- Languages, sports, meals and subjects: English, football, dinner, mathematics.
- Institutions in their main purpose: go to school, be in hospital, go to bed.
Common mistakes
- Wrong: "I have a car. Car is red." Right: "I have a car. The car is red."
- Wrong: "She plays the football." Right: "She plays football."
- Wrong: "He is teacher." Right: "He is a teacher."
When choosing, ask: Is the noun singular and countable? Does the listener know which one? Is it a general idea? These three answers decide a, the or nothing.
Practice