Course on Articles - TOEIC® Preparation
Articles in English are essential for effective communication and understanding the precise meaning of a sentence. English has two indefinite articles ("a" and "an"), a definite article ("the"), and many situations where no article is used (known as the "zero article").
In this course, we will detail each of these categories and explain their usage.
1. The Indefinite Article: "A" and "An"
The indefinite articles "a" and "an" are mainly used before countable nouns (i.e., nouns that can be counted) in the singular. They mean "one" in the sense of introducing something non-specific or mentioned for the first time.
A. When to Use "A" or "An"?
We use "a" or "an" in the following cases:
- When mentioning something for the first time
- I saw a dog in the park.
- She is reading a book.
- To talk about a profession, role, or identity
- He is a doctor.
- She wants to be an actress.
- In expressions of measurement (time, distance, quantity, price, speed, frequency)
- I go to the gym twice a week.
- He bought a dozen eggs.
- It costs a hundred dollars.
- He was driving at 80 miles an hour.
- To designate an element belonging to a category
- A smartphone is a useful device.
- A cat is an independent animal.
- After certain expressions introducing a description or comparison
- What a beautiful day!
- She is as fast as a cheetah.
- With certain indefinite quantities (a lot of, quite a, a few, a little, a couple of, rather, etc.)
- I have a few friends in New York.
- Can I have a little sugar?
B. How to Choose Between "A" and "An"?
A is used before a consonant sound (i.e., when the noun begins with a consonant sound).
- A cat, A book, A university
- He wants to buy a European car.
An is used before a vowel sound (i.e., when the noun begins with a vowel sound).
- An apple, An elephant, An honest man
- She bought an orange for breakfast.
"A" precedes a consonant sound: /b/, /k/, /t/, /y/, etc.
"An" precedes a vowel sound: /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, /u/, as well as silent "h".
2. The Definite Article: "The"
"The" translates to "le", "la", or "les" in French depending on the context, but in English, we simply use "the" in these situations:
A. Precise Identification and Uniqueness
To signal a unique or well-known entity
- An object or place already mentioned: "The" is used when an element has been mentioned before or when the element is assumed to be familiar to the listener:
- Could you pass me the pen we bought yesterday?
- To designate something unique in its kind: "The" is used with certain elements that, by their nature, exist in a single instance:
- The Earth orbits the Sun.
To specify a determining information
"The" is used when the context or a qualifier makes the object specific:
- Enter the room; the host is waiting inside.
B. Places, Geographical Entities, and Institutions
To name specific geographical sites
- Rivers, seas, and canals: The article "the" is used before the names of rivers, oceans, and canals:
- The Nile flows through several African countries.
- The Mediterranean has witnessed centuries of history.
- Mountain ranges and archipelagos: "The" is used to designate natural ensembles:
- The Andes span a vast region in South America.
To designate institutions, companies, and organizations
Certain institutional names, establishments, or media systematically use "the":
- We watched a documentary on The History Channel last night.
- The Louvre attracts millions of visitors every year.
C. Groups, Species, and Comparatives
To represent a defined group
- Families or groups of people: "The" is used to designate all members of a family or a social group:
- The Smiths are hosting a reunion next month.
- Groups characterized by an adjective: "The" is used to talk about categories of people or general phenomena:
- The elderly often need extra care during winter.
In comparisons and superlatives
"The" is essential for constructing comparisons or superlatives:
- She is recognized as the most creative artist of her time.
- They opted for the same design as last year.
3. The Zero Article (absence of article)
In English, it often happens that no definite (or indefinite) article is used. To avoid confusion, here is an overview of the most common situations:
A. Languages, Disciplines, and General Activities
- Languages and university studies: No article is used when referring to a language or a subject
- They speak Spanish fluently.
- He studies biology at university.
- Hobbies and daily activities: No article is used with names of activities or hobbies, when they refer to the general idea of the action
- Running relaxes me after a long day.
- Chess requires strategic thinking.
B. Places and Spaces: From the City to Celestial Elements
- Cities, countries, and simple geographical spaces: No article is used to talk about well-known places, without additional qualifiers.
- She traveled to Brazil last summer.
- He lives in Tokyo.
- Streets, parks, and public places: No article is used with names of streets, parks, or usual neighborhoods when the context is general.
- They met at Elm Street for a quick coffee.
- Planets, stars, …: No article is used with most names of planets and space objects
- Saturn and Jupiter were clearly visible last night.
C. General Concepts and Abstract Ideas
- Generalities and universal truths: No article is used when addressing an abstract or universal notion, to emphasize the global character.
- Hope inspires people to overcome obstacles.
- Nature offers endless surprises.
- Uncountable and plural nouns: No article is used when referring to uncountable and plural nouns, to highlight their generality.
- Water is essential for life.
- Dogs make great companions.
D. Specific Situations and Exceptions
- Numbers and precise designations: No article is used when a noun is immediately followed by a number or a designation
- The lecture will take place in hall 202.
- Certain media and titles: No article is used in most names of newspapers or magazines, unless the title already includes the article.
- I read Time every week.
- Rolling Stone is known for its in-depth music reviews.
- Expressions of general quantity: No article is used to signify "the majority" in a non-specific way
- Many appreciate a well-crafted story.
- State and disease: No article is used with the names of certain diseases to express a generality, except in particular cases.
- Diabetes is a growing concern worldwide.
- Influenza can spread quickly during the winter.
- Everyday places: No article is used when mentioning usual living spaces, such as work or school, to talk about the activity in general.
- He is already at work.
- After school, the kids usually head straight home.
4. Distinctions and Specific Cases
A. Speaking in General (Uncountable or Plural Noun)
- Music is a universal language.
- Cars are useful in the countryside.
However, if we talk about a specific element or a well-defined group, we will use "the":
- The music at yesterday's concert was incredible.
- The cars parked outside are blocking the entrance.
B. Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns
- Countable nouns (book, chair, idea…) need an article (or a determiner like "my", "some", etc.) if they are singular.
- I have a book.
- I have the book.
- I have my book.
- Uncountable nouns (water, advice, information…) are generally without an article when talking about the substance in general, or preceded by "the" when talking about something specific.
- Information is key in this project.
- The information you provided was very helpful.
C. Titles, Positions, Functions
- When talking about a function in general, we do not use "the":
- He was elected president in 2020.
- When talking about the position of a particular person, we use "the":
- He is the President of the United States.
Conclusion
Articles play a key role in the precision and clarity of language. "A" and "an" introduce a singular countable noun for the first time or when it is indefinite. "The" is used to talk about a specific element, already mentioned or unique. Finally, some nouns, especially general concepts, languages, meals, and geographical places, are used without an article ("zero article").
In the TOEIC®, articles frequently appear in grammar and reading comprehension questions. Knowing when to use "a", "an", or "the" helps avoid errors and increase your score.
Other Courses
Here are other grammar courses for the TOEIC®: