Here are some of the most important things to know about using articles.
Jobs
We use a/an to talk about someone’s job.
• He's an architect.
• She's a scientist.
• My grandfather was a teacher.
Singular countable nouns
Use a/an or the with all singular, countable nouns.
• A/An = when you mention something for the first time.
- I watched a movie last night.
- Do you want a coffee?
• The = when it’s already known or unique.
- I enjoyed the movie we watched.
- The sun is shining.
A or An ?
• Use a before consonant sounds ? a cat, a book
• Use an before vowel sounds ? an apple, an hour
Tip: We say an hour, not a hour, because the “h” is silent.
Things in general
When we speak about things in general, no article is needed (plural or uncountable nouns).
• Dogs love playing.
• Water is important.
• Children need sleep.
Specific groups or things
Use the when talking about a particular group or item.
• We saw the elephants at the zoo.
• Did you see the keys on the table?
Summary Tip:
• a/an = one of many
• the = specific/known
• no article = things in general