Pick a language and start learning!

Articles in fixed expressions Exercises in English language

Student listening to language audio book in study room.

Articles, though seemingly simple, play a crucial role in shaping the meaning and clarity of sentences in English. When it comes to fixed expressions, the use of articles becomes even more nuanced and essential. Fixed expressions are phrases or idioms that have a set structure and meaning, often defying the usual grammar rules we apply to regular sentences. Understanding how articles function within these expressions can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension in English. By mastering the use of articles in fixed expressions, you can not only avoid common pitfalls but also enrich your language skills, making your communication more precise and impactful. Consider expressions like "in a hurry," "make a difference," or "the last straw." Each of these phrases relies on specific articles that cannot be substituted without altering their meaning. For instance, "in hurry" or "in the hurry" simply wouldn’t convey the same urgency as "in a hurry." Similarly, "the last straw" signifies a final limit of patience, but without "the," the phrase loses its definitive nature. Through a series of exercises, you will delve into the intricacies of articles in fixed expressions, learning to identify and use them correctly. This focused practice will help you internalize these patterns, making your spoken and written English more polished and idiomatic.

Exercise 1

1. She works as *a* nurse at the local hospital (indefinite article for a profession). 2. We need to find *an* ATM to withdraw some money (indefinite article before a vowel sound). 3. He plays *the* piano beautifully (definite article for a musical instrument). 4. I have *a* headache and need some rest (indefinite article for a health condition). 5. She is as busy as *a* bee with all her projects (indefinite article in a simile). 6. He’s in *a* hurry to catch his flight (indefinite article for a state of being). 7. They went on *a* trip to Paris last summer (indefinite article for a singular countable noun). 8. Could you pass me *the* salt, please? (definite article for a specific object). 9. It’s *an* honor to meet you (indefinite article before a vowel sound). 10. I’ll take *the* bus to work tomorrow (definite article for a specific mode of transportation).

Exercise 2

1. I heard him play *the* piano beautifully (definite article for a specific instrument). 2. She went to *the* hospital to visit her friend (definite article for a specific place). 3. They had *a* good time at the party last night (indefinite article for a general experience). 4. He took *a* shower before going to bed (indefinite article for a routine activity). 5. She is *an* engineer by profession (indefinite article for a profession starting with a vowel sound). 6. We met at *the* airport before the flight (definite article for a specific location). 7. He made *a* mistake during the presentation (indefinite article for a general error). 8. They went on *a* trip to the mountains (indefinite article for a general journey). 9. She wore *a* dress to the wedding (indefinite article for a general piece of clothing). 10. He gave her *the* keys to the car (definite article for specific items).

Exercise 3

1. She always arrives *at* the last minute (preposition indicating time). 2. They went *to* the cinema last night (preposition indicating direction). 3. Please take *a* seat and wait for your turn (indefinite article for singular noun). 4. He made *a* promise he couldn't keep (indefinite article for singular noun). 5. We need to find *an* answer to this question (indefinite article for vowel-starting singular noun). 6. She gave me *a* piece of advice (indefinite article for singular noun). 7. There is *an* apple on the table (indefinite article for vowel-starting singular noun). 8. They took *a* walk in the park (indefinite article for singular noun). 9. He was listening to *the* news on the radio (definite article for specific noun). 10. She went to *the* bank to withdraw some money (definite article for specific noun).