Articles (A / An / The) Grammar Drill
Free articles exercises: 30 questions on a, an, the and zero article — multiple choice, gap fill and listening dictation — with answers and explanations. Practice online or print as an ESL worksheet.
📖 Full guide: Articles in English: A, An, The and the Zero Article — rules table, the mistakes learners make most, and FAQs.
Articles: A, An, The: Frequently Asked Questions
When do we use a and when an?
Use a before consonant sounds (a book, a university — /juː/) and an before vowel sounds (an apple, an hour — silent h). It depends on sound, not spelling.
When do we use the definite article the?
Use the when the listener knows which one we mean — something mentioned before, unique things (the sun), or defined by context: I bought a car. The car is red.
When do we use no article (zero article)?
Omit the article with plural and uncountable nouns in general statements (I love coffee, Cats are friendly) and with most proper names (London, Monday, breakfast).