Definite, indefinite and zero articles
Articles are a basic part of English grammar. If you’re good at using articles in front of nouns, you will speak and write much better.
First, let’s check your knowledge. Here’s an exercise to see how well you understand articles in English.
Then, if you need more practice, see the B1 and B2 mini-lessons and exercises below.
Exercise 1
Read the text about tablet computers and then select the correct articles for the 10 gaps.
What is a tablet computer?
A tablet computer is (1)___ mobile device, typically with (2)___ mobile operating system, touchscreen and rechargeable battery in a single, thin and flat package. (3)___ tablets do what other personal computers do, but lack some abilities that others have. (4)___ tablets largely resemble modern smartphones, and the only differences is that tablets are relatively larger than smartphones, with screens 18 cm or larger, and may not support access to (5)___ mobile data network.
(6)___ touchscreen display is operated by gestures carried out with a finger or digital pen (stylus), instead of (7)___ mouse or keyboard of larger computers. Two species of tablet, (8)___ slate and booklet, do not have (9)___ physical keyboards and instead have (10)___ virtual keyboard shown on their touchscreen displays.
Did you do OK? Here is information on articles in two mini lessons, with two more short exercises. You’ll be an expert when you finish!
B1-Level Definite, Indefinite, and Zero Articles: Mini-Lesson and Exercise
Definite Article: “the”
“The” is used when we talk about something specific or something that both the speaker and listener know about. It can be used with both singular and plural nouns.
Examples:
- The book on the table is mine.
- The students in the class are very smart.
- The car I bought last year is blue.
Indefinite Articles: “a” and “an”
“A” and “an” are used when we talk about something in general or something that is not known to the listener. Use “a” before words that start with a consonant sound and “an” before words that start with a vowel sound.
Examples:
- I saw a cat in the garden.
- She wants to be an engineer.
- There is an apple on the table.
- She gave me a piece of advice that changed my life.
Zero Article
Zero article means that no article is used. This usually happens with plural and uncountable nouns when talking about things in general.
Examples:
- Cats are wonderful pets. (plural noun, general)
- She drinks coffee every morning. (uncountable noun, general)
- Love is important in life. (uncountable noun, abstract)
Now check your understanding. Good luck!
Exercise 2 — Definite, Indefinite and Zero Articles (B1)
Congratulations on finishing that task! How did you do? Was it easy? Here are some harder B2 explanations, examples, and questions. (If the last exercise was too difficult, here’s a page from The British Council on English definite and indefinite articles with two A1/A2 exercises).
B2-Level Definite, Indefinite and Zero articles: Mini-Lesson and Practice Exercise
Definite Article: “the”
Example: The first time I visited Paris, I was amazed by the Eiffel Tower.
“The Eiffel Tower” is specific and known to both the speaker and listener.
Indefinite Article: “a”
Example: She gave me a piece of advice that changed my life.
“A piece of advice” here is general, not known to the listener.
Definite Article with Unique Objects:
Example: The sun rises in the east.
“The sun” and “the east” are unique objects and universally known.
Indefinite Article with Jobs:
Example: My brother is an artist and he loves to paint.
“An artist” is a general job title.
Definite Article with Superlatives:
Example: She is the best student in our class.
“The best student” is specific and there is only one best student.
Zero Article with Plural Nouns:
Example: Dogs are very loyal animals. (Not: the dogs…)
Here “dogs” is a general reference to all dogs, so no article is needed.
Zero Article with Uncountable Nouns:
Example: Water is essential for life. (Not: the water…)
“Water” here is an uncountable noun used in a general sense.
Now try another more difficult exercise. Good luck!
Exercise 3: Definite, Indefinite, and Zero Articles Quiz (B2 Level)
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