Articles
A Indefinite article
a or an
We use a before words that begin with a consonant sound.
a boy, a city, a table
a uniform / ˈjuːnifɔːm /
a hospital / ˈhɔspitᵊl /
We use an before words that begin with a vowel sound.
an arrow, an orange,
an island, an elephant
an hour / ˈauə /
Read the examples, and study the use of the indefinite article a/an. Match each example to the appropriate explanation.
Some expressions with the indefinite article.
have a good time
have a problem
have a headache
have a cold
BUT!
have the flu
take a bath
take a shower
take a picture
take a break
twice a day
ten times a year
an only child
as a matter of fact
for a long time
a few years ago
a lot of problems
go for a walk
in a hurry
A1 A or an
A2 A, an or zero article
B Definite article
The definite article has only one written form (THE), but we pronounce it differently.
Before a consonant sound we pronounce the as /ðə/
the problem /ðə ˈprɔbləm/
the bedroom /ðə ˈbedruːm/
the uniform /ðə ˈjuːnifɔːm/
the one /ðə wʌn/
the hospital /ðə ˈhɔspitᵊl/
Before a vowel sound we pronounce the as /ði/
the apple /ði ˈæpᵊl/
the end /ði end/
the airport /ði ˈeəpɔːt/
the old men /ði ould men/
the hour /ði ˈauə/
Read the examples and study the use of the definite article the.
Match examples to the appropriate explanations.
The definite article the with names of places
Some expressions with the definite article.
at the moment
at the same time
at/in the beginning
at/in the end
on the radio
on the telephone
on/to the left
the right
at the top of
the bottom of
in the middle of
the centre of
go to the doctor's
go to the dentist's
call the police
tell the time
tell the truth
do/wash the dishes
do the shopping
make the bed
live in the city
live in the country
B1 Definite or zero article
B2 Definite, indefinite or zero article
B3 In the town
C Zero article
Match the correct cards, and find out when we use the zero article.
Some expressions with the zero article.
go to bed
go to school
go to work
go to church
go to hospital
go by bus/on foot
be at school
be at work
be in prison
be at home
go home
make money
have fun
do homework
on TV
out of town
day by day
at noon
at night
from time to time
time after time
on time
C1 Zero or definite article
C2 Complete the sentences with the correct article.
C3 Complete the sentences with the correct article.
C4 Complete the sentences with the correct article.