Ampersand Lab

Intermediate grammar · Lesson 72 · B1

a/an and the

A or an when something is mentioned for the first time or when we mean any one of a kind; the when we mean a specific one, or it is clear which one; and a for rates such as twice a week.

Start the lesson

18Steps · about 33 minutes

In this lesson

First mention, then theA1 screen of questions
A specific thing, or a kind of thingB1 screen of questions
When it is clear which oneC4 screens of questions
once a week, £2 a kiloD2 screens of questions
Put it together+4 screens of mixed questions

Point A of 4

First mention, then the

"I had a pasty and an apple for lunch. The pasty was lukewarm, but the apple was fine."

The speaker says a pasty and an apple the first time, because this is the first we hear of them. After that it is the pasty and the apple, because we know exactly which ones: the ones eaten for lunch.

  • An old couple got on at Crewe. The husband dozed off at once; the wife did the crossword.
  • On holiday we stayed at a guest house. Sometimes we ate at the guest house and sometimes we went to a pub.

Point A · Exercise 72.1

Put in a, an or the.

  1. Example

    At the market I bought a scarf and a candle. The scarf is in the car, but I've no idea what I did with the candle.

    AnswerAt the market I bought a scarf and a candle. The scarf is in the car, but I've no idea what I did with the candle.

  2. I saw accident this morning. van skidded into wall. driver of van wasn't hurt, but van was badly damaged.

  3. There are two bikes chained outside: red one and black one. red one is my neighbour's. I've no idea who owner of black one is.

  4. My grandparents live in old cottage in small village. There's beautiful garden behind cottage. I'd love to have garden like that.

Point B of 4

A specific thing, or a kind of thing

Use the when you mean a specific thing; use a/an when you do not, or when you are saying what kind of thing it is.

  • Will grabbed a cushion. (one of several)
  • Will grabbed the cushion with the tassels. (a particular one)
  • Have you got a car? (not a specific car)
  • I washed the car yesterday. (my car)
  • We stayed in a very cheap B&B. (a type of place)
  • The campsite we found was surprisingly cheap. (a particular one)

Point B · Extra practice

Put in a or the.

  1. Have you got car, or do you get the bus?

  2. I washed car yesterday. It was filthy.

  3. We stayed in very cheap hotel near the station.

Point C of 4

When it is clear which one

the points to the one you both know about. In a room: the light, the floor, the ceiling, the door.

We also say (go to) the bank, the post office, the doctor, the dentist. Usually the speaker means a particular one, but the habit stays even when they don't.

  • Can you turn the heating down? (the heating in this house)
  • I walked from the bus station to the castle. (the ones in that town)
  • Could I have a word with the chef? (in this restaurant)
  • I need to go to the bank, then the post office.
  • Clare has toothache. She's gone to the dentist's.
  • I hate going to the dentist.
  • Is there a bank near here?
  • My brother is a dentist.

Point C · Exercise 72.3 · part 1 of 4

Put in a, an or the where necessary. If no word is needed, type a dash (-).

  1. Example

    Would you like an apple?

    AnswerWould you like an apple?

  2. When did you last go to optician's?

  3. Could you shut door, please?

  4. I've got problem. I need your help.

  5. Is it a long walk to harbour from your flat?

Point C · Exercise 72.3 · part 2 of 4

Put in a, an or the where necessary. If no word is needed, type a dash (-).

  1. I'm nipping to post office. I won't be long.

  2. Imran plays snooker. He's very good player.

  3. There isn't hospital in our village. The nearest one is in town.

  4. nearest airport is sixty miles away.

Point C · Exercise 72.3 · part 3 of 4

Put in a, an or the where necessary. If no word is needed, type a dash (-).

  1. The sofa hadn't arrived, so we sat on carpet.

  2. Have you watched DVD I gave you?

  3. Mel has just got job at hotel in Cardiff.

  4. We live in small flat in town centre.

Point C · Exercise 72.3 · part 4 of 4

Put in a, an or the where necessary. If no word is needed, type a dash (-).

  1. There's shop at end of the road I live on.

Point D of 4

once a week, £2 a kilo

For rates, frequency and prices, use a: once a week, three times a day, £2 a kilo.

  • I go to the pictures about once a month.
  • "How much are the plums?" "Two pounds a kilo."
  • Dawn works ten hours a day, four days a week.

Point D · Exercise 72.4 · part 1 of 2

Answer about yourself. Where you can, use once a week, three times a day and so on.

  1. Example

    How often do you see a film at the cinema?

    About once a month.

    Example answerAbout once a month.

  2. How often do you have your eyes tested?

  3. How often do you take a holiday abroad?

  4. How long do you usually sleep?

  5. How often do you eat out?

Point D · Exercise 72.4 · part 2 of 2

Answer about yourself. Where you can, use once a week, three times a day and so on.

  1. How much telly do you watch, on average?

  2. What is the usual speed limit in towns where you live?

Put it together · Exercise 72.2 · part 1 of 4

Put in a, an or the.

  1. Example

    This flat's lovely. Has it got a garden?

    AnswerThis flat's lovely. Has it got a garden?

  2. It's a gorgeous day. Let's sit in garden.

  3. I love this house, but it's a shame garden is so small.

  4. Can you recommend good curry house?

  5. We had tea in very nice café by the harbour.

Put it together · Exercise 72.2 · part 2 of 4

Put in a, an or the.

  1. We had tea in best café in town.

  2. What's name of that woman we met at the wedding?

  3. We stayed in a lovely B&B, but I can't remember name now.

  4. My neighbour has Italian name, but she's from Burnley.

Put it together · Exercise 72.2 · part 3 of 4

Put in a, an or the.

  1. Did Paula get job she applied for?

  2. It's hard to get job round here at the moment.

  3. So you're a park ranger? Is it outdoor job most of the time?

  4. "Are you away next week?" "No, week after next."

Put it together · Exercise 72.2 · part 4 of 4

Put in a, an or the.

  1. I'm going away for week in June.

  2. Gary works part-time, three mornings week.

Lesson 72 · Result

How you did

Next lesson: the 1Back to the course

–Right

Each point

A. First mention, then the–Not checkedB. A specific thing, or a kind of thing–Not checkedC. When it is clear which one–Not checkedD. once a week, £2 a kilo–Not checkedPut it together–Not checked