Choosing Zero Article Quiz

1. We listened to ___ music while we worked.

A

An

The

No article

Music is an uncountable noun used in general, so we do not use an article.

Explanation

Music is an uncountable noun used in general, so we do not use an article.

2. He saw ___ elephant at the zoo.

A

An

The

No article

Elephant begins with a vowel sound, so we use an.

Explanation

Elephant begins with a vowel sound, so we use an.

3. ___ pizza is my favorite food.

A

An

The

No article

Pizza is being talked about in general, so no article is needed.

Explanation

Pizza is being talked about in general, so no article is needed.

4. I liked ___ pizza we ate last night.

A

An

The

No article

We know which pizza, so we use the for something specific.

Explanation

We know which pizza, so we use the for something specific.

5. We use a or an before singular count nouns when we mention them for the first time.

True

False

A and an introduce a singular count noun that is not yet known to the listener.

Explanation

A and an introduce a singular count noun that is not yet known to the listener.

6. We usually use no article with uncountable nouns like water, air, or sugar when we talk about them in general.

True

False

Uncountable nouns in general statements normally take no article.

Explanation

Uncountable nouns in general statements normally take no article.

7. In which sentences should we use the? “Select all that apply.”

I closed ___ door. (we both know which door)

I want to be ___ doctor someday.

She lives near ___ school we visited.

___ sun rises in the east.

We bought ___ apples at the store.

We use the for a known door, a specific school, and the unique sun.

Explanation

We use the for a known door, a specific school, and the unique sun.

Submit

9. Choose the correct article: I saw a dog. ___ dog was very friendly.

We use The because we are talking about the same dog a second time.

Explanation

We use The because we are talking about the same dog a second time.

Submit

10. He wants to buy ___ car, but he has not chosen one yet.

A

An

The

No article

Car is a singular count noun mentioned for the first time, so we use a.

Explanation

Car is a singular count noun mentioned for the first time, so we use a.

11. We usually use the before unique things like sky, sun, and moon when they are mentioned in a normal context.

True

False

Unique objects that everyone knows about usually take the.

Explanation

Unique objects that everyone knows about usually take the.

12. Which sentences use articles correctly? “Select all that apply.”

We watched a movie last night.

She wants to be an engineer.

Children need the love in general.

I like coffee.

He looked at a sky.

A and B correctly use a and an with singular nouns, and D correctly uses no article with coffee in general.

Explanation

A and B correctly use a and an with singular nouns, and D correctly uses no article with coffee in general.

Submit

13. Which is correct if we talk about school in general?

The school starts at 8 a.m. for everyone, in general.

School starts at 8 a.m.

A school starts at 8 a.m. in general.

An school starts at 8 a.m.

School in a general schedule statement normally takes no article.

Explanation

School in a general schedule statement normally takes no article.

14. In which sentences is no article needed? “Select all that apply.”

___ books can teach us a lot. (talking in general)

I like ___ music. (in general)

She bought ___ new book yesterday.

He is reading ___ newspaper on the table.

___ water is important for life. (in general)

Books and water are general, and music is uncountable in general, so no article is used.

Explanation

Books and water are general, and music is uncountable in general, so no article is used.

Submit

15. Which option correctly completes the sentence: She lives in ___ London.

A

An

The

No article

Most city names like London do not take an article.

Explanation

Most city names like London do not take an article.

16. We can use a or an before plural nouns when we talk in general.

True

False

A and an mean one, so they cannot be used directly before plural nouns.

Explanation

A and an mean one, so they cannot be used directly before plural nouns.

17. We climbed ___ highest mountain in the region.

A

An

The

No article

Highest is a superlative, and with superlatives we usually use the.

Explanation

Highest is a superlative, and with superlatives we usually use the.

18. Which sentences have article mistakes that should be fixed? “Select all that apply.”

I saw an dog in the park.

She bought an umbrella.

We studied the history for the test in general.

They listened to the music last night at the party.

He ate a rice for dinner.

Dog needs a, general history needs no article, and rice is uncountable so it needs no a.

Explanation

Dog needs a, general history needs no article, and rice is uncountable so it needs no a.

Submit

19. Choose the correct article: She plays ___ basketball after school.

Sports like basketball are usually used with no article in general statements.

Explanation

Sports like basketball are usually used with no article in general statements.

Submit

20. We often use a or an with singular count nouns, the with specific or unique nouns, and ___ article with general plural or uncountable nouns.

No article is used when we talk about plural or uncountable nouns in general.

Explanation

No article is used when we talk about plural or uncountable nouns in general.

Submit

Selection Practice: Choosing Zero Article Quiz

1. We listened to ___ music while we worked.

2. He saw ___ elephant at the zoo.

3. ___ pizza is my favorite food.

4. I liked ___ pizza we ate last night.

5. We use a or an before singular count nouns when we mention them for the first time.

6. We usually use no article with uncountable nouns like water, air, or sugar when we talk about them in general.

7. In which sentences should we use the? “Select all that apply.”

8. Choose the correct article: He found ___ interesting idea in the article.

9. Choose the correct article: I saw a dog. ___ dog was very friendly.

10. He wants to buy ___ car, but he has not chosen one yet.

11. We usually use the before unique things like sky, sun, and moon when they are mentioned in a normal context.

12. Which sentences use articles correctly? “Select all that apply.”

13. Which is correct if we talk about school in general?

14. In which sentences is no article needed? “Select all that apply.”

15. Which option correctly completes the sentence: She lives in ___ London.

16. We can use a or an before plural nouns when we talk in general.

17. We climbed ___ highest mountain in the region.

18. Which sentences have article mistakes that should be fixed? “Select all that apply.”

19. Choose the correct article: She plays ___ basketball after school.

20. We often use a or an with singular count nouns, the with specific or unique nouns, and ___ article with general plural or uncountable nouns.