A course for
FCE

The Indefinite Article – A / AN

We use A/AN with:

1. Singular nouns and the first time we refer to a person, animal or thing.

• a child

• an elephant

• a television

2. We don't use A/AN with possessive pronouns, demonstratives or cardinal numbers.

• My shirt is dirty.

• This car is expensive.

• One person is in the reception.

3. We use ONE (or more) instead of A/AN when the number is important.

• There is only one exit from the airport.

What is the difference between A and AN?

A is used when the next word begins with a consonant sound (b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k etc).

• a book

• a table

• a clock

• a university (because the beginning of university sounds like YOU-niversity)

AN is used when the next word begins with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).

• an apple

• an elephant

• an umbrella

• an hour (because the H is silent)

The Definite Article – THE

We use THE with:

1. A singular or plural noun when it is clear/obvious which person or thing we are talking about.

• There is a lamp in my bedroom. (we mention the lamp for the first time)

• The lamp is next to the desk.

2. Anything which we identify immediately.

• We watched the new Brad Pitt movie last night.

3. Musical instruments (the violin, the guitar, the drums, the flute, the piccolo).

• She plays the piano.

4. Something that is unique or there is only one.

• the sun

• the moon

• the internet.

5. Names of rivers, seas, oceans, mountain ranges and deserts (always in capitals).

• The Mississippi River

• The Black Sea

• The Andes

• The Sahara Desert

6. Directions (cardinal points).

• the west

• the south-east

• the north-west.

 

No Article

We use no article with:

1. When we refer to general ideas, plurals or uncountable nouns we do not use THE.

• Religion is an important issue. (NOT The religion is an important issue)

• Mexican food is spicy. (NOT The Mexican food is spicy).

2. Names of people, books and plays (unless it is part of the title).

• I have read Romeo and Juliet.

3. Towns, cities, states and countries.

• Cape Town

• Montana

• Vietnam

(Exceptions – The USA, The UK, The Netherlands, The Czech Republic, The Philippines).

4. Lakes, single islands, continents or mountains.

• Lake Victoria

• Jamaica

• Asia

• Mt Fuji

5. Planets

• Mars

• Jupiter

• Saturn

6. Sports or games

• soccer

• tennis

• skiing

• monopoly

7. Meals

• breakfast

• lunch

• dinner

• supper