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Articles: a, an, the and no article

The most common source of small grammar errors in IELTS writing.

A / an: one of many, mentioned for the first time

Use a or an with a singular countable noun when the reader does not yet know which one you mean.

Choose an by sound, not spelling: an hour, a university.

  • A new library opened last year.
  • She is studying to become an engineer.

The: the reader knows which one

Use the when the noun has already been mentioned, is unique, or is defined by the words after it.

  • The library is open late.
  • The number of visitors rose.
  • The 18–34 age group visited least.

No article: things in general

Talk about plural or uncountable nouns in general with no article.

  • Technology changes how people work.
  • Students need quiet places to study.

Exercises

Question 1

1.___ number of cars in the city doubled between 2010 and 2020.

Question 2

2.She is studying to become ___ engineer.

Question 3

3.___ education is important for economic development.

Question 4

4.He works at ___ university in Leeds.

Question 5

5.___ government should invest more in ___ public transport.