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Common mistake Grammar

Articles (a, an, the)

Missing articles: when to use a, an and the

A missing or wrong a/an/the before a noun. In short: Use a or an for one thing the reader does not know yet.

This guide is for writers moving from B1 to B2 or from B2 to C1.

The rule for missing articles

Use a or an for one thing the reader does not know yet. Use the when the reader knows which one. Use no word before plurals or things you can't count, when you talk in general.

Pattern: a/an = one, not known yet. the = both of us know which one. No article for plurals or uncountables in general.

Used correctly: a/an/the used correctly in a spot where learners often drop or confuse it (for example "she is a teacher", "the government should act"). Ordinary easy cases do not count.

Use this before a singular countable noun (car, idea, door). It needs a/an/the, or a word like my or this.

Missing articles: wrong and right examples

  • Wrong She has car but no licence.

    Right She has a car but no licence.

  • Wrong Can you open window, please?

    Right Can you open the window, please?

More right sentences

  • I bought a laptop. The laptop is fast.
  • Please close the door.
  • Water is important. Dogs are loyal.

Traps to avoid with missing articles

  • Choose a or an by the sound, not the letter: an hour, a university.
  • Jobs need one too: "She is an engineer", not "She is engineer".

Skills that train missing articles

All 20 common mistakes · All writing guides