English Tip · 08 — Articles — A, An, The, or Nothing

A/an introduces something new or non-specific. The refers to something already known or unique. Zero article = general statements about uncountable or plural nouns.

Examples

• I saw a dog. The dog was barking. (same dog; second mention = the)
• Dogs are loyal. (general truth = no article)

Practice

Write five sentences about your morning. Underline every noun. Check the article. Did you use ‘a’ for new things and ‘the’ for known things?

Takeaway: New = a/an. Known or unique = the. General = nothing.

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