A vs The worksheet

Level A2–B1
3 pages, A4
Answer key included

The rule as a picture, 5 multiple-choice questions, 3 sentences to correct and a short writing task. Free to print and copy for your class or for self-study.

Download PDF

Want the explanation first? Read the A vs The lesson

Worksheet · Level A2–B1

A vs The

NameDate

Use a / an when the listener doesn't know which one you mean, or it doesn't matter: I talked to a manager. Use the when you both know exactly which one: I talked to the manager. (the one we both know about)

A / An · any one, new to the listener

I talked to a manager.

a manager

one of the managers

The · the one we both know

I talked to the manager.

the manager

the one we both know

1. Choose the right answer

Circle a or b.

1.
I bought a shirt and a jacket. jacket was on sale.a) Ab) The
2.
Is there bank near here?a) ab) the
3.
moon was full last night.a) Theb) A
4.
This is most expensive restaurant in town.a) ab) the
5.
My sister is nurse.a) ab) the

2. Correct the mistake

Each sentence has one mistake. Write the correct sentence.

1.
Could you close a door, please?
2.
She's a best student in the class.
3.
I have the new job. It's in Cluj.

3. Your turn

Write two sentences about your own life: one with A / An and one with The. Then explain the difference to a partner.

Answer key

A vs The

1. Choose the right answer

1.b) The Second mention: the listener now knows which jacket.
2.a) a Any bank will do, so the listener doesn't need to know which one.
3.a) The There's only one moon in our sky.
4.b) the Superlatives take the.
5.a) a Saying what someone's job is takes a or an.

2. Correct the mistake

1.Could you close the door, please? You both know which door: the one in the room.
2.She's the best student in the class. Only one student can be the best, so superlatives take the.
3.I have a new job. It's in Cluj. It's the first time you mention the job, so it's new to the listener.

3. Your turn

Answers will vary. Check that each sentence follows the rule on page 1, or paste them into Clarigram to have them checked.

A vs The worksheet

Level A2–B1
3 pages, A4
Answer key included

The rule as a picture, 5 multiple-choice questions, 3 sentences to correct and a short writing task. Free to print and copy for your class or for self-study.

Download PDF

Want the explanation first? Read the A vs The lesson

Worksheet · Level A2–B1

A vs The

NameDate

A / An · any one, new to the listener

I talked to a manager.

a manager

one of the managers

The · the one we both know

I talked to the manager.

the manager

the one we both know

1. Choose the right answer

Circle a or b.

1.
I bought a shirt and a jacket. jacket was on sale.a) Ab) The
2.
Is there bank near here?a) ab) the
3.
moon was full last night.a) Theb) A
4.
This is most expensive restaurant in town.a) ab) the
5.
My sister is nurse.a) ab) the

2. Correct the mistake

Each sentence has one mistake. Write the correct sentence.

1.
Could you close a door, please?
2.
She's a best student in the class.
3.
I have the new job. It's in Cluj.

3. Your turn

Write two sentences about your own life: one with A / An and one with The. Then explain the difference to a partner.

Answer key

A vs The

1. Choose the right answer

1.b) The Second mention: the listener now knows which jacket.
2.a) a Any bank will do, so the listener doesn't need to know which one.
3.a) The There's only one moon in our sky.
4.b) the Superlatives take the.
5.a) a Saying what someone's job is takes a or an.

2. Correct the mistake

1.Could you close the door, please? You both know which door: the one in the room.
2.She's the best student in the class. Only one student can be the best, so superlatives take the.
3.I have a new job. It's in Cluj. It's the first time you mention the job, so it's new to the listener.

3. Your turn

Answers will vary. Check that each sentence follows the rule on page 1, or paste them into Clarigram to have them checked.