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Exercises on articles in English
15.10.2025
3 minutes to read
Articles are where even seasoned English learners often make their first mistakes. A, an, the, and the zero article seem like small details, but they're essential for precise and natural speech. Without them, it's impossible to say a single sentence correctly in English.
This page is designed specifically to reinforce the rules for using articles in English. Here you'll find five exercises with answers and explanations that will help you understand the difference between a/an, the, and situations where the article isn't used at all. It's simple: read the explanation, look at the example, complete the tasks, and compare your results.
This page is designed specifically to reinforce the rules for using articles in English. Here you'll find five exercises with answers and explanations that will help you understand the difference between a/an, the, and situations where the article isn't used at all. It's simple: read the explanation, look at the example, complete the tasks, and compare your results.
Table of contents
🎯 Objective:
Understand how each type of article works in English and learn to recognize when it's needed.
A/an are used when we're talking about something for the first time or in a general sense.
The — when the object is already known or specific.
The zero article (–) — when we're talking about things in general, uncountable, or plural.
Articles in English aren't just a grammar tool, they're a logical tool. They help us understand whether we're talking about a unique object (the sun), any one of many (a car), or something abstract (– music).
💡 Example:
I saw a cat in the street. The cat was black.
📘 Explanation:
A/an — when first mentioned, before singular words. The — when talking about a previously mentioned object, a unique entity, or when the context is clear to both speakers.
– (zero article) — before uncountable nouns and in the plural, when talking about a general phenomenon.
✏️ Tasks:
✅ You will find the answers to all the exercises at the end of the page.
Understand how each type of article works in English and learn to recognize when it's needed.
A/an are used when we're talking about something for the first time or in a general sense.
The — when the object is already known or specific.
The zero article (–) — when we're talking about things in general, uncountable, or plural.
Articles in English aren't just a grammar tool, they're a logical tool. They help us understand whether we're talking about a unique object (the sun), any one of many (a car), or something abstract (– music).
💡 Example:
I saw a cat in the street. The cat was black.
📘 Explanation:
A/an — when first mentioned, before singular words. The — when talking about a previously mentioned object, a unique entity, or when the context is clear to both speakers.
– (zero article) — before uncountable nouns and in the plural, when talking about a general phenomenon.
✏️ Tasks:
- I saw ___ cat in the street.
- She is ___ teacher.
- We visited ___ Louvre last year.
- He doesn’t like ___ coffee.
- ___ sun rises in the east.
- I want ___ apple.
- There is ___ book on the table.
- She plays ___ piano beautifully.
- They live in ___ small house.
- He works as ___ engineer.
- She has ___ dog and ___ cat.
- ___ water in this bottle is fresh.
- I bought ___ new jacket yesterday.
- They went to ___ United Kingdom.
- ___ children in this class are very polite.
✅ You will find the answers to all the exercises at the end of the page.
Exercise 1: Insert the verb in the Present Perfect
Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Option (Article Test)
🎯 Objective:
Understand how the articles a, an, and the are used in different situations: when describing people, things, unique objects, or generalizations.
This exercise helps reinforce the use of articles in English contextually.
💡 Example:
He is a doctor. The doctor works at the hospital.
📘 Explanation:
Use a/an when referring to a profession, type, or first mention.
The is used when the object is specific, unique, or already mentioned.
– when talking about things in general.
Understand how the articles a, an, and the are used in different situations: when describing people, things, unique objects, or generalizations.
This exercise helps reinforce the use of articles in English contextually.
💡 Example:
He is a doctor. The doctor works at the hospital.
📘 Explanation:
Use a/an when referring to a profession, type, or first mention.
The is used when the object is specific, unique, or already mentioned.
– when talking about things in general.
Answer the questions by choosing one correct option.
Exercise 2
She has ___ beautiful dress.
Right!
Incorrect
Incorrect
I saw ___ old man near the shop.
Right!
Incorrect
Incorrect
___ moon looks bright tonight.
Incorrect
Incorrect
Right!
He is eating ___ apple.
Right!
Incorrect
Incorrect
We met ___ same person yesterday.
Incorrect
Right!
Incorrect
She plays ___ guitar.
Incorrect
Incorrect
Right!
___ Mount Everest is the highest mountain.
Incorrect
Incorrect
Right!
I don’t like ___ milk.
Incorrect
Incorrect
Right!
They live in ___ big city.
Right
Right
Incorrect
She wants to be ___ artist.
Incorrect
Right
Incorrect
He looked at ___ stars.
Incorrect
Incorrect
Right!
We visited ___ United States.
Right!
Incorrect
Incorrect
She bought ___ umbrella.
Incorrect
Incorrect
Right!
___ water is very cold today.
Incorrect
Right!
Incorrect
He is ___ honest man.
Right!
Incorrect
Incorrect
Excellent result!
You have a great sense of when to say a/an, when to say the, and when no article is needed at all. You already intuitively understand how the rules for using articles in English work and can use them in real-life speech without errors.
Tip: Try challenging yourself by reading texts in English and paying attention to how native speakers use articles in context. It's especially helpful to notice why they say "the sea" or "the Internet," but also "breakfast" and "-school." This will help you develop an understanding that becomes second nature.
Tip: Try challenging yourself by reading texts in English and paying attention to how native speakers use articles in context. It's especially helpful to notice why they say "the sea" or "the Internet," but also "breakfast" and "-school." This will help you develop an understanding that becomes second nature.
You've mastered the topic well, but there are still areas that need work.
You probably sometimes get confused with the zero article and the use of "the" before geographical names, unique objects, or musical instruments. Tip: Reread the exercise explanations and practice the most common combinations—play the guitar, go to school, the United States, a cup of tea. Also, try using articles in short spoken sentences—this will speed up memorization and form a habit.
Don't worry!
Articles are one of the most difficult topics, even for advanced students. If your score is below 7, it's time to return to theory and review the basic rules for articles in English.
Tip: Start simple—watch video tutorials or read explanations with examples of a/an, the, and zero articles. Then return to these exercises and try again. Repetition will lead to rapid progress—in just a couple of days, you'll notice that you're starting to use articles correctly automatically
Tip: Start simple—watch video tutorials or read explanations with examples of a/an, the, and zero articles. Then return to these exercises and try again. Repetition will lead to rapid progress—in just a couple of days, you'll notice that you're starting to use articles correctly automatically
Exercise 3: Put the articles in the correct form
🎯 Objective:
Develop the skill of recognizing when an article is needed. This exercise develops automaticity in the use of articles, from zero to definite.
💡 Example:
She bought an apple. The apple was red.
📘 Explanation:
After the words "play" with instruments, always use "the" (play the guitar).
Before the names of countries, rivers, and oceans — "the."
Before professions — a/an.
Before uncountables (water, sugar, music) — -.
✏️ Tasks:
✅ You will find the answers to all the exercises at the end of the page.
Develop the skill of recognizing when an article is needed. This exercise develops automaticity in the use of articles, from zero to definite.
💡 Example:
She bought an apple. The apple was red.
📘 Explanation:
After the words "play" with instruments, always use "the" (play the guitar).
Before the names of countries, rivers, and oceans — "the."
Before professions — a/an.
Before uncountables (water, sugar, music) — -.
✏️ Tasks:
- Do you like ___ tea or ___ coffee?
- We have ___ big dog.
- ___ dog is very friendly.
- She doesn’t eat ___ meat.
- He lives in ___ small town.
- ___ earth goes around ___ sun.
- I bought ___ interesting book.
- She’s reading ___ book you gave her.
- He has ___ younger brother.
- ___ air in this room feels fresh.
- They visited ___ National Gallery.
- I never drink ___ wine.
- She is ___ best student in the group.
- We met ___ old friend yesterday.
- ___ flowers in the garden are beautiful.
✅ You will find the answers to all the exercises at the end of the page.
Exercise 4: Fill in the Missing Words
🎯 Objective:
Learn to identify when an article is not used and when a sentence makes no sense without one. This exercise reinforces knowledge of the zero article and helps remember exceptions.
💡 Example:
He is a student. The student studies English.
📘 Explanation:
With unique objects (the sky, the sea, the sun) — the.
With professions and objects mentioned for the first time — a/an.
Without an article — when speaking generally (I like coffee).
✏️ Tasks:
✅ You will find the answers to all the exercises at the end of the page.
Learn to identify when an article is not used and when a sentence makes no sense without one. This exercise reinforces knowledge of the zero article and helps remember exceptions.
💡 Example:
He is a student. The student studies English.
📘 Explanation:
With unique objects (the sky, the sea, the sun) — the.
With professions and objects mentioned for the first time — a/an.
Without an article — when speaking generally (I like coffee).
✏️ Tasks:
- I need ___ umbrella. It’s raining.
- He studies ___ physics at university.
- ___ Pacific Ocean is huge.
- She is ___ doctor.
- They bought ___ new car.
- ___ car is very fast.
- We visited ___ Alps last year.
- ___ life is unpredictable.
- He is playing ___ guitar.
- I don’t like ___ sugar in my coffee.
- She lives in ___ beautiful apartment.
- ___ air today is fresh.
- We stayed at ___ hotel by the sea.
- They met ___ president yesterday.
- I had ___ breakfast at 8 a.m.
✅ You will find the answers to all the exercises at the end of the page.
Exercise 5: Choose the correct answer
🎯 Objective:
To test your confidence in using the articles a, an, and the in everyday speech. This is the final quiz on articles in English with multiple-choice answers and keys.
💡 Example:
I bought a car. The car is red.
📘 Explanation:
A/an — at the first mention, before professions and common objects.
The — if the object is specific or unique.
– (zero) — if we are talking in a general sense or about uncountable things.
To test your confidence in using the articles a, an, and the in everyday speech. This is the final quiz on articles in English with multiple-choice answers and keys.
💡 Example:
I bought a car. The car is red.
📘 Explanation:
A/an — at the first mention, before professions and common objects.
The — if the object is specific or unique.
– (zero) — if we are talking in a general sense or about uncountable things.
Answer the questions by choosing one correct option.
Exercise 5
She bought ___ book.
Right!
Incorrect
We saw ___ movie last night.
Right!
Incorrect
He doesn’t drink ___ milk.
Right!
Incorrect
___ sun is shining.
Right!
Incorrect
She met ___ old friend.
Right!
Incorrect
I want ___ cup of tea.
Right!
Emma said she has done it.
He is ___ engineer.
Right!
Incorrect
___ water is cold.
Incorrect
Right!
She loves ___ chocolate.
Right
Right
We live in ___ small town.
Incorrect
Right
He visited ___ Louvre.
Right!
Incorrect
I need ___ umbrella.
Right!
Incorrect
___ moon looks beautiful.
Right!
Incorrect
She has ___ younger brother.
Right!
Incorrect
___ children are playing outside.
Right!
Incorrect
Excellent result!
You have a great sense of when to say a/an, when to say the, and when no article is needed at all. You already intuitively understand how the rules for using articles in English work and can use them in real-life speech without errors.
Tip: Try challenging yourself by reading texts in English and paying attention to how native speakers use articles in context. It's especially helpful to notice why they say "the sea" or "the Internet," but also "breakfast" and "-school." This will help you develop an understanding that becomes second nature.
Tip: Try challenging yourself by reading texts in English and paying attention to how native speakers use articles in context. It's especially helpful to notice why they say "the sea" or "the Internet," but also "breakfast" and "-school." This will help you develop an understanding that becomes second nature.
You've mastered the topic well, but there are still areas that need work.
You probably sometimes get confused with the zero article and the use of "the" before geographical names, unique objects, or musical instruments. Tip: Reread the exercise explanations and practice the most common combinations—play the guitar, go to school, the United States, a cup of tea. Also, try using articles in short spoken sentences—this will speed up memorization and form a habit.
Don't worry!
Articles are one of the most difficult topics, even for advanced students. If your score is below 7, it's time to return to theory and review the basic rules for articles in English.
Tip: Start simple—watch video tutorials or read explanations with examples of a/an, the, and zero articles. Then return to these exercises and try again. Repetition will lead to rapid progress—in just a couple of days, you'll notice that you're starting to use articles correctly automatically
Tip: Start simple—watch video tutorials or read explanations with examples of a/an, the, and zero articles. Then return to these exercises and try again. Repetition will lead to rapid progress—in just a couple of days, you'll notice that you're starting to use articles correctly automatically
Answers
- a
- a
- the
- –
- The
- an
- a
- the
- a
- an
- a, a
- The
- a
- the
- The
- a
- a
- c
- a
- b
- c
- c
- c
- a
- b
- c
- a
- c
- c
- a
- –, –
- a
- The
- –
- a
- The, the
- an
- the
- a
- The
- the
- –
- the
- an
- The
- an
- –
- The
- a
- a
- The
- the
- –
- the
- –
- a
- The
- a
- the
- –
- a
- a
- a
- a
- a
- a
- a
- b
- b
- b
- a
- a
- a
- a
- a
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