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Articles (a, an, the)

Definite, indefinite articles and zero article — tricky for non-native speakers.

Indefinite (a/an): first mention, general

  • We need *a* new manager. (any, not specific)
  • She has *an* MBA from Harvard.

    • Definite (the): specific, known, unique

  • *The* manager who was hired last week started today.
  • *The* sun rises in the east.

    • Zero Article (no article):

  • Uncountable/abstract: *Information* is important. (NOT *The information*)
  • Plural general: *Employees* should arrive on time.

    • Special Cases:

  • Musical instruments: play *the* piano
  • Superlatives: *the* best option
  • Ordinals: *the* first meeting

    • Examples

    TOEFL Tip:

    If the noun is mentioned for the first time and is not specific, use a/an. If already known, use the.