the university writing center
"because writers need readers"

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What is the UWC?
HOW TO CHOOSE ARTICLES
Inspired by a chart in English for Science and Technology for Non-Native Speakers by Thomas N. Huckin and Leslie A. Olsen (1988).

DOES THE NOUN
REFER TO ONE UNIQUE THING?

 USE "THE"

CAN YOU COUNT THIS NOUN?

 USE NO ARTICLE

IS THIS NOUN
SINGULAR?

   USE NO ARTICLE

IS THIS A
PROPER NOUN?

   TRICKY!USE WHAT CUSTOM REQUIRES
DOES THE NOUN
BEGIN WITH A
VOWEL SOUND?
   USE "AN"
USE "A"