Articles a / an / the / Zero Article
An article is a small word used before a noun. In English, we have a, an, the, and sometimes no article at all.
Examples: a book · an apple · the teacher · water
a — Used before a singular countable noun · Used before a consonant sound
a book, a car, a student
an — Used before a singular countable noun · Used before a vowel sound
an apple, an orange, an English book
the — Used for a specific noun · Used when the speaker and listener know the thing · Used for unique things · Used with superlatives
the book on the table, the sun, the teacher, the best student
Zero Article — No article is used · Used with plural nouns in general meaning · Used with uncountable nouns in general meaning
books, water, milk
We use the when the noun is specific or already known.
| Use of "the" | Example |
|---|---|
| Specific noun | The book on the table is mine. |
| Known noun | Please close the door. |
| Unique thing | The sun is bright. |
| Superlative | She is the best student. |
| Already mentioned noun | I saw a dog. The dog was black. |
| Article | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| a | Before singular countable nouns starting with a consonant sound | a dog |
| an | Before singular countable nouns starting with a vowel sound | an egg |
| the | For something specific, known, unique, or superlative | the car outside |
| zero article | For general plural nouns and uncountable nouns | cats, rice, water |
a / an
I have a pen. · She wants an umbrella. · He is a teacher.
the
Please open the door. · The girl in blue is my sister. · The sun is bright. · I saw a cat. The cat was small.
Zero Article
I drink water. · Dogs are friendly. · She likes music.
Les exemples d'articles sont mis en évidence. Clique sur "Play audio" pour écouter chaque conversation.
A: Do you have a book?
B: Yes, I have a book and an apple.
A: Is it a big book?
B: No, it is an old book.
A: Where is the teacher?
B: The teacher is in the classroom.
A: Is that the classroom near the office?
B: Yes, the classroom is near the office.
A: And who is the best student?
B: The best student is John.
A: Do you like music?
B: Yes, I like music and books.
A: Do you drink water every day?
B: Yes, I drink water every day.
A: Are dogs friendly?
B: Yes, dogs are friendly.
Choose the correct answer. Then click Finish to get your score and correction.
Read the text and answer the questions.
Lisa wakes up early every morning.
She lives with her mother and her brother.
At 7:00 a.m., she has breakfast.
Then, she walks to school with her brother.
In class, Lisa sits near the window.
She has a notebook, a pen, and an apple.
Her teacher is kind and friendly.
After school, Lisa goes home and does her homework.
She drinks water and reads a short book.
In the evening, she helps her mother at home.
Try to complete the sentences using the correct article (écris "-" s'il ne faut aucun article) :
I have pen.
She saw apple.
Open door.
I drink water.
sun is bright.