A, An, & The in English

Articles in English
I’m going to eat an apple.
Articles in English
I’m going to eat the red apple.
a / an general
(one of many)
I want to buy car.
He’s eating an apple.
Do you have a bike?
She is an old woman.
I’m reading a book.
the specific Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
The new Chinese restaurant is very good.
We like the blue car.
The girl in the red dress is beautiful.
I’m reading the new book by J.K. Rowling.

Use “an” if the word starts with the sound of a, e, i, o, u:

  • an apple
  • an egg
  • an ice cream shop
  • an open door
  • an umbrella

Use “a” if the word starts the sound of any other letter.

Do not use “the” with countries or cities:

  • I live in the China.
  • I live in China.

Do not use “the” with things in general:

  • She likes the pizza.
  • She likes pizza. (pizza in general)
  • She likes the pizza from Tony’s Restaurant.
    (the specific pizza from this restaurant)


A, An, The Quiz

Congratulations - you have completed A, An, The Quiz. You scored %%SCORE%% out of %%TOTAL%%. Your performance has been rated as %%RATING%%
Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1
They're going to see ______ show at _____ theater on Main Street.
A
a / ---
B
the / a
C
a / the
D
the / ---
Question 2
Sally is _____ tallest girl in the class.
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 3
Did you talk to _____ teacher?
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 4
We've been to _____ France three times.
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 5
Leonardo is ______ actor.
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 6
I have _____ idea!
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 7
Jim plays _____ basketball after school.
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 8
There's ______ problem with the equipment.
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 9
He has _____ interesting job.
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 10
Martha hates _____ vegetables.
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 11
Bob has _____ great idea for a new product.
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 12
_____ apartments in the city center are very small.
A
A
B
An
C
The
D
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Question 13
My father loves _____ flowers in the city park.
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 14
We have _____ friend who lives in Florida.
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
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Question 15
My new office has ______ window.
A
a
B
an
C
the
D
---
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. Get Results
There are 15 questions to complete.

 

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