Articles: a, an, the
When to use a/an, the or no article — the core decision system with first/second mention and unique things
I can choose between a/an, the and no article in everyday sentences.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
I bought a map of London, but the map was ten years old.
I bought a map of London, but the map was ten years old.
Breakfast is ready — and the coffee smells amazing.
Breakfast is ready — and the coffee smells amazing.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
The article system in one table:
| Article | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| a / an | one of many; first mention | I saw a dog. An apple. |
| the | both know which one; second mention; unique | The dog was small. The sun. |
| — (zero) | plurals/uncountables in general; meals; cities | I like coffee. We had lunch in Prague. |
an before a vowel sound: an hour, a university. Story logic: I saw a dog. The dog was barking.
- Article dropped (Slavic L1): *I saw dog → a dog
- the for generalizations: *The life is hard → Life is hard
- a + plural: *a shoes → shoes / a pair of shoes
Common Error Patterns
Articles dropped entirely
Singular countable nouns need an article
the with generalizations
General plurals/uncountables take zero article
I bought a map of London, but the map was ten years old.
I bought a map of London, but the map was ten years old.
First mention a, second mention the.
Breakfast is ready — and the coffee smells amazing.
Breakfast is ready — and the coffee smells amazing.
Meals take no article; this specific coffee takes the.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises