A2 Elementary Verb patterns, quantifiers, articles, present perfect
Articles a, an, the
Lesson goal. After this lesson you know when to use a/an, when to use the, and when to use no article.
When to use it
- a/an: first mention; the listener does not know which one.
- the: both speaker and listener know which one.
- no article: general statements with plural or uncountable nouns.
Form
| Case | Article | Example |
|---|---|---|
| first mention | a / an | I saw a dog. |
| mentioned again later | the | The dog was very big. |
| both people know which one | the | Close the door. |
| the only one | the | the sun · the Earth · the Mekong |
| jobs | a / an | She is a nurse. |
| in general, plural or uncountable | no | I like books. · Water is important. |
Step by step
- Ask: does the listener know exactly which one you mean?
- Yes → the. No, just one of many → a/an.
- Speaking in general with a plural noun → no article.
- Learn a few fixed phrases: go to school, by bus, at home, play the piano.
Fixed phrases to memorise
| With the | No article | With a/an |
|---|---|---|
| play the piano / guitar | go to school / bed / work | be a teacher |
| the sun, the moon | by bus / car / bike | have a shower |
| the first, the best | at home, in bed | once a week |
Examples
I saw a film last night. The film was excellent.
The sun rises in the east.
My mother is a doctor.
Can you close the window, please?
I go to school by bike.
I like music and books.
Common mistakes
I want to be teacher. → I want to be a teacher.
Vietnamese needs no article for jobs, so learners drop it. A singular job in English always takes a/an.
I go to the school by bike. → I go to school by bike.
go to school means attend school, so no the. With the it means going to the building for another reason.
He plays guitar very well. → He plays the guitar very well.
Musical instruments take the: play the guitar, play the piano.
Memory tip
Before choosing, ask: “Does my listener know which one I mean?” Yes → the. No → a/an. Talking about the whole class of things → nothing.
Summary
- a/an for first mention and jobs · the for known or unique things.
- General plurals and uncountables → no article.
- Memorise fixed phrases: go to school, by bus, play the piano.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.