Articles

Introduction to Articles

Overview of definite, indefinite and zero articles, and when articles are used in English.

Indefinite Article (a / an)

Using a and an with singular countable nouns.

Definite Article (the)

Using the to refer to specific people, things and places.

Zero Article

Situations where no article is used.

The definite article the

a/an vs one

Difference between the indefinite article and the numeral one.

When an article completely changes the meaning

Usage with home, hospital, prison, school, work, church, sea, town

Specific vs General Meaning

Choosing between a/an, the and zero article when speaking generally or specifically.

Proper Nouns

Articles with names of people, countries, cities, streets and organizations.

Geographical Names

Articles with rivers, seas, oceans, mountain ranges, deserts, islands and countries.

Public Institutions

Using or omitting articles with school, university, prison, hospital, church, bed and similar nouns.

Meals, Languages and Academic Subjects

Articles with meals, languages, academic subjects and games.

Transport

Articles with means of transport and transport-related expressions.

Unique Things

Using the with unique objects such as the sun, the moon and the internet.

Musical Instruments

Articles with musical instruments and musical expressions.

Common Fixed Expressions

Idiomatic expressions with or without articles.

Common Mistakes

Frequent learner mistakes involving English articles.