Breathe in and breathe out. Check out the photo and then explain what you see in it.
Alright, that was good! Time to get busy! The usage of articles: (when we should use the, a, or an, as well as, when not to use an article) can often be confusing when learning English as a second language. The best approach to solve this situation is a bit of theory (grammar) and a bit of practice.
1. That’s __________________________ interesting suggestion.
an
the
NO ARTICLE
2. How far have you gotten with __________________________ report?
a
the
NO ARTICLE
3. Every company needs __________________________ good project manager.
the
NO ARTICLE
a
4. Q: Are they reliable? A: Yes, they always deliver on __________________________ time.
NO ARTICLE
the
a
5. We have to draw up _________________ new business plan. The old one isn’t good enough.
the
NO ARTICLE
a
6. Do you know how to program in __________________________ Java? ( = a programming language)
NO ARTICLE
the
a
7. We’re looking to hire someone who speaks __________________________ Russian.
NO ARTICLE
the
a
8. I don’t think he’s __________________________ good fit ( = well-matched) for our company.
the
NO ARTICLE
a
9. Direct selling accounts for about __________________________ 50% of our annual sales.
the
NO ARTICLE
a
10. The senate passed an important energy bill on Tuesday. __________________________ bill will ensure that companies don’t overcharge their customers.
A
NO ARTICLE
The
Time for the traditional break. Look at the following photo carefully and describe what you see.
Let’s move on! Fill them up!
11. If we don’t follow these regulations, we’ll get in _________________ trouble with the local authorities.
the
NO ARTICLE
a
12. I’ve worked on __________________________ similar projects at my last job.
NO ARTICLE
the
a
13. Q: Is that your boss? A: No, that’s __________________________ CEO. (There’s only one)
a
the
NO ARTICLE
14. I’m not happy with __________________________ logo they designed for us.
a
the
NO ARTICLE
15. That’s not _________________________ good strategy. We have to think of something better.
the
NO ARTICLE
a
16. The senator from California spoke out against __________________________ racism. (in general)
NO ARTICLE
the
a
17. The senator from California spoke out against __________________________ last week’s protests in Los Angeles.
NO ARTICLE
the
a
18. The senator from California spoke out against __________________________ protests in Los Angeles that killed 10 people.
a
NO ARTICLE
the
19. He has __________________________ MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Harvard.
the
an
NO ARTICLE
20. He signed up for _________________________ MBA program that I told you about last week.
an
the
NO ARTICLE
© All photos by edudelcorral
The Business English Exercises Business English: When to omit articles (the, a, an) Talking Easy Lessons