Articles: Fine Distinctions

Reference

Common mistakes

1. She has good knowledge of French. → She has a good knowledge of French.
   qualified abstract noun → a
2. I have fear of spiders. → I have a fear of spiders.
   a fear of …
3. They bought Picasso for millions. → They bought a Picasso for millions.
   a + artist = a work by them
4. Smiths live next door. → The Smiths live next door.
   the + family name in plural

Articles: Fine Distinctions — Exercises

Choose the correct article

Circle the correct answer.

1. He has _____ excellent understanding of the subject. (an / the / —)
2. _____ knowledge is power. (— / A / The)
3. _____ architect is a person who designs buildings. (An / The / —)
4. _____ Johnsons have invited us to their wedding. (The / A / —)
5. The museum has just bought _____ Monet. (a / the / —)
6. _____ Ms Garcia phoned — she didn't leave a number. (A / The / —)
7. She has _____ real passion for cooking. (a / the / —)
8. Which is correct as a headline? (Storm hits coast / A storm hits the coast / The storm hits a coast)

Write the article

Write a, an or the. Write — if no article is needed.

1. He has   deep fear of the dark.
2.   honesty is important in any friendship.
3.   Wilsons have moved to Canada.
4.   good teacher always explains why.
5. Is that painting   original Van Gogh?
6. She speaks with   good knowledge of the law.

Articles: Fine Distinctions — Answer Key

Choose the correct article

1. an — Qualified abstract noun → an excellent understanding.
2. — — Abstract, general → no article.
3. An — Definition → generic an.
4. The — Family → the + plural surname.
5. a — A painting by Monet → a Monet.
6. A — Someone called Ms Garcia, unknown → A Ms Garcia.
7. a — a + adjective + abstract noun.
8. Storm hits coast — Headlines drop articles.

Write the article

1. a
2. —
3. The
4. A
5. an
6. a