Articles: a, an, the

A1 — Nouns

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.

When to use a/an, the or no article — the core decision system with first/second mention and unique things

Examples

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.

NounsA1

When to use a/an, the or no article — the core decision system with first/second mention and unique things

Learning Goal

I can choose between a/an, the and no article in everyday sentences.

Exam Skills:A2 Key ReadingA2 Key Writing

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.