A, an, the, or nothing?
One question decides most articles: does the listener know which one you mean? See it as a spotlight, then test yourself with a short quiz.
A, the, or nothing? Answer two questions.
Think of the noun you want to use.
Every article rule on one page
Three choices. Each picture shows when to use it.
The choices people get stuck on
You understand it. Now find it in your own writing.
Paste an email or an essay. Clarigram marks the mistakes you actually make, shows the rule behind each one as a picture, and builds your practice from them.
Questions people ask
What are articles in English?
The small words a, an and the that come before a noun. A and an are the indefinite articles; the is the definite article. Many nouns also appear with no article at all, which is a choice too.
What's the main rule for a and the?
Ask whether the listener knows which one you mean. If they don't, or it doesn't matter, use a or an. If they do, use the.
When do I use no article?
With plural and uncountable nouns when you mean things in general (Dogs are loyal, Water is essential), with most names, and in fixed phrases like go to bed or by car.