Articles

Indefinite (a or an) Definite (the)

 

Singular a dog (any dog) the dog (that specific dog)

an apple (any apple) the apple (that specific apple)

Plural some dogs (any dogs) the dogs (those specific dogs)

some apples (any apples) the apples (those specific apples)

Exercise 1
1. Johnny wants to make _a_______ trip to India.
2. __the___ onions are red and _____some___ are white.
3. Peter has just returned from ___the_____ States.
4. Juan fries ____an____ egg every morning.
5. China is ___a_____ fascinating country.
6. He works in ___an____ office.
7. Visitor: Where’s ____the____ office, please?

Exercise 3
Add ‘the’ where necessary. The number in brackets tells you the number of articles you
should use.
1. (2) Pick the book on the floor, will you?

2. (2) I can’t open the moneybox. I’ve lost the key.

3. (2) Betty, write your name on the cover of the book.

4. (1) What is the price of this shirt?

5. (1) Will you show me the ring on your finger?

6. (2) There are some bottles in the car. the Bottles contain petrol.

7. (2) Answer the telephone, David. I’m washing the car.

Exercise 4
Fill in the blanks with ‘a’, ‘an’, ‘the’ or X.
1. He told us that he would be back in ___a_____ hour.
2. Mrs. Chan has ___the____ 8-year-old daughter.
3. I have known _____the___ Lees for many years.
4. I can’t move this table. Will you please give me ____a____ hand?