English grammar › A1
a, an and the
Level A1 · a cat · an apple · the sun
What are articles?
Articles are the small words in front of a noun. They tell the listener if you mean any one thing (a / an) or a specific thing you both know (the).
Why it matters
- Most singular nouns need an article: not “I have car”.
- The choice shows if the thing is new or already known.
Pattern
a / an = new · the = known
Examples
- I bought **a** book. — first time you mention it
- **The** book is great. — now we both know which book
Remember: an goes before a vowel *sound*: an apple, an hour — but a university.
The rule
Use a / an for one thing the listener doesn't know yet. Use an before a vowel *sound*. Use the when you both know which one.
First time → known: I have a dog. → The dog is very small.
Tip
It's the sound that matters, not the letter: an hour (h is silent), a university (sounds like you).
Important
No a / an with plurals or uncountable nouns: dogs, water, music.
Common mistakes
- Not:
an university— But: a university - Not:
She is teacher.— But: She is a teacher.
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