Articles are small words that cause big mistakes. This quiz tests when to use a, an, the or no article, with the rule explained after each answer.
1. She is ___ engineer.
"Engineer "begins with a vowel sound, so use "an ".
2. I bought a jacket and a hat. ___ jacket was expensive.
The jacket has already been mentioned, so it is specific: "The jacket ".
3. ___ Nile is the longest river in Africa.
Use "the "with names of rivers, oceans and seas.
4. He plays ___ guitar very well.
Use "the "with musical instruments: play the guitar.
5. ___ honesty is the best policy.
Abstract nouns used in a general sense take no article.
6. It took me ___ hour to get there.
"Hour "starts with a silent h, so it begins with a vowel sound: an hour.
7. She goes to ___ university in Boston.
"University "starts with a /j/ (consonant) sound, so use "a ".
8. We had dinner at ___ restaurant you recommended.
The speaker and listener both know which restaurant, so use "the ".
9. ___ Mount Everest is in Asia.
Names of single mountains take no article (but ranges do: the Himalayas).
10. What ___ beautiful day!
In exclamations with a singular countable noun, use "what a ": What a beautiful day!
Frequently asked questions
When do I use a and when do I use an?
Choose by sound, not spelling. Use an before a vowel sound (an hour, an engineer) and a before a consonant sound (a university, a European).
When do I use no article?
Use none with plural and uncountable nouns in a general sense (Honesty matters; Dogs bark), and with most names of single mountains, countries and cities.
When do I use the?
Use the when the listener knows which one you mean: something already mentioned, unique (the sun), or identified by context. Also use it with rivers, oceans and musical instruments.
