ARTICLE OR NO ARTICLE? EXERCISE 2 (ESL)
A2–B1 · IntermediateUseful for:✓ IELTS✓ TOEFL✓ TOEIC
This second exercise in the articles series introduces trickier cases: sports teams, titles used with and without names, and the contrast between uncountable nouns used in a general sense vs. a specific one. Exercise 1 covers the fundamentals; this page explores less obvious cases.
Need a refresher? Review the grammar ↓
Write a, the, or no article to complete each sentence.
Example: He is a good man.
Next exercise: Article or No Article? – Exercise 3 →
Grammar review
Article or no article — tricky categories
Once you know the basic rules, the harder cases involve specific categories where English article use is counterintuitive or differs from other languages.
Sports teams — always use the:
“He supports the Lakers.”
Titles and roles before a name — no article:
“President Biden” “Doctor Smith” “Queen Elizabeth”
But when the title is used without a name, the is usually required: “The prime minister announced…”
Uncountable nouns in general vs specific use:
No article when used in a general sense: “He makes a lot of money.”
The when specific: “The money he earns goes straight into savings.”
Jobs and professions — use a:
“She works as a nurse.” “He is a real hero.”
Specific/identified nouns — use the:
“The sweater he ordered is black.” (identified by the relative clause)
Once you know the basic rules, the harder cases involve specific categories where English article use is counterintuitive or differs from other languages.
Sports teams — always use the:
“He supports the Lakers.”
Titles and roles before a name — no article:
“President Biden” “Doctor Smith” “Queen Elizabeth”
But when the title is used without a name, the is usually required: “The prime minister announced…”
Uncountable nouns in general vs specific use:
No article when used in a general sense: “He makes a lot of money.”
The when specific: “The money he earns goes straight into savings.”
Jobs and professions — use a:
“She works as a nurse.” “He is a real hero.”
Specific/identified nouns — use the:
“The sweater he ordered is black.” (identified by the relative clause)
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