How to use articles in English

When to use A

We use A to talk about things that are one of many. 

For example, St. Green High School has 1,300 students. If we want to talk about just one student, we use A.

When to use  The

We use The to talk about specific things. 

For example, John is the only student at his school with a perfect test score. If we want to talk specifically about John, we use The.

When to use  An

An is similar to A. We use it to talk about things that are one of many. But we only use it before words that start with vowel sounds.

For example, these words start with vowel sounds, so we use An.

• Apple

• Eggplant

• Ice cream cone

• Octopus

• Umbrella

Practice and review

John and Tim are eating in a restaurant. There is only one piece of pizza left on the table. John wants to eat it. He says:

“I want ___ last piece of pizza.”

Anna and Liam are shopping. They go to the fruit section. There is a big box full of bananas. Anna says:

“I need ___ banana. Can you get one, Liam?”