What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to choose between a, an, the, and no article correctly in everyday sentences.
When do I use it?
Use "a" or "an" before a singular thing mentioned for the first time, "the" when both speakers know exactly which thing, and no article for things in general: "I saw a dog. The dog was black." "I love music." The choice of "a" vs "an" depends on the sound, not the spelling: "an apple," "a university."
How do I form it?
I bought a car yesterday. (any car, new information) The car is red. (we know which car now) I love — music. (music in general, no article) He is an engineer. (professions use a/an)
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
Don't drop the article with jobs. Spanish says "Soy profesora", but English requires "I am a teacher", not "I am teacher". Before a vowel sound use "an" (an apple, an hour) — Spanish doesn't have this choice. And don't add "the" for general ideas: "Me gusta la música" is "I like music", not "I like the music".
Think of "a/an" as "one, any one" and "the" as "this exact one". When you mean all of them in general, use no article.
Practice
Multiple Choice
A1Which sentence is correct?
Fill in the Blank
A1She is studying to be engineer.
Hint: 'Engineer' starts with a vowel sound.
Fill in the Blank
A1We watched movie last night.
Hint: A new, not-yet-specific thing gets 'a'.
Find the Error
A1Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: A1