One thing, not identified yet → a / an
Use with one countable thing. Choose a or an by sound, not spelling.
- I spoke to a neighbour.
- She gave me an idea.
- an hour · a university
Free cheat sheet 03 · B1 and above
Articles Without the Headache
A, an, the—or nothing?
Before you speak, decide what your listener knows about the thing.
What to use—and when
Make the choice by meaning.
Your listener can identify it → the
You may have mentioned it already, or the situation makes it clear.
- The neighbour invited us for dinner.
- Can you close the window?
Things in general → no article
Use no article for plural things or uncountable things in general.
- Neighbours can be helpful.
- Coffee helps me wake up.
The quick check
Keep this beside you.
- One countable thing, not identified? → a / an
- A particular thing we can identify? → the
- Plural or uncountable things in general? → no article
Notice the difference
A small change can change the meaning.
Any suitable book.
One particular book.
Books in general.
Two common slips
A useful fix for next time.
Instead ofI’m teacher.
UseI’m a teacher.
A singular countable job needs an article.Instead ofShe gave me an advice.
UseShe gave me some advice.
Advice is uncountable.