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All English activities

Activities: “What are definite and indefinite articles in English?”

By: Erin Kuester

Activity 1: “a” or “an”?

In English we use a before a word that starts with a consonant sound and we use an before a word that starts with a vowel sound. Even when we write, we still choose which form of the indefinite article to write (a/an) using pronunciation rules. Try this activity for a little bit of practice — should you use a or an before each of these nouns?

  1. elephant

    An elephant in a dry field.

  2. house

    A photo of a brick house with a slate roof in a well-maintained garden on a rainy day.

  3. orange

    An orange that is sliced in half sitting on a table.

  4. book

    An open book floats magically in a circle of stacked books in the stacks of a library.

  5. herb

    A hand holding up a bundle of rosemary and other herbs.

  6. umbrella

    A black umbrella floating in the air.

  7. hour

    A photo of a mint green analog alarm clock.

  8. university

    An old-fashioned gothic university building.

  9. cat

    A photo of a brown tabby cat peering around a corner.

Activity 2: Conversations

Take a look at the conversations below. For each blank space, do you think the speaker needs the indefinite article (a/an), the definite article (the), or no article (write "x")?

Conversation 1:

  • A: I bought new book yesterday!

  • B: Oh cool! Where did you buy book?

  • A: I went to bookstore on Grand Avenue. Do you know that one?

  • B: Yes, I’ve been there before. But it’s been a long time since I read book.

  • A: That’s too bad. I love books!

Conversation 2:

  • A: I’m excited to eat lunch today. I packed apple from the tree in my yard!

  • B: That sounds so nice. I just have same kind sandwich I bring every day.

  • A: I’m happy to share! Would you like me to bring extra apple tomorrow?

  • B: Yes, I’d love that! I’m glad that tree in your yard produces enough apples for everyone.

Conversation 3:

  • A: What are you working on?

  • B: I’m filling out college application.

  • A: Are you excited to go to college?

  • B: Yes! I hope I get into university that I visited last month. They have most famous creative writing program in the country.

  • A: Wow, that sounds great! Good luck with application.