Parts of Speech / Noun
LESSON 18 OF 261 · 5 MIN READ

Articles with Nouns — A AN THE

Learn to use articles with Nouns — A AN THE to build clearer English sentences.

Let’s understand it

Use a or an for one non-specific countable thing. Use the when the listener can identify the thing, or it is unique in context.

The building rule

A + consonant sound. An + vowel sound. The + a known or specific noun. Sound matters more than spelling.

See it in a sentence

a boy • a book • a car • a newspaper

an apple • an orange • an egg • an umbrella

an hour • a university

the door • the teacher • the sun

I see a dog. The dog is brown.

Use this rule: write and correct

Try first. Hints become more specific after each attempt. Your attempts and corrections are saved with your existing writing progress.

Enlarged practice scene
TRY IT YOURSELF

A quick check

A wrong answer is a chance to learn. Use the hint and try again.