A2 Spanish grammar
Spanish Articles and Reference: Known, General, or New Information
Article choice depends on what the listener can identify. Use indefinite forms to introduce one new countable reference and definite forms when the noun is already identifiable or represents a general category.
Spanish articles and reference: Introduce new and then known information
Use un or una for a newly introduced singular countable noun, then el or la when referring to the same identifiable noun.
Vi una película. La película era divertida.Quick check
Introduce an unspecified hotel.
Use definite articles for general categories
Spanish often uses a plural definite article when speaking about a class of people, animals, or things generally.
Los gatos necesitan agua.Recognise common zero-article patterns
Omit the article after ser with an unmodified profession and in some quantity, material, and uncountable-noun expressions.
Ana es médica y bebe café.Common mistakes
Compré el libro. El libro… (when no specific book is known)
Compré un libro. El libro…
Introduce a non-identified book with un.
Gatos necesitan agua.
Los gatos necesitan agua.
Spanish normally includes the definite article for this general plural subject.
Ana está médica.
Ana es médica.
Use ser for a profession; in a basic unmodified profession statement, Spanish normally omits the article.
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Articles and reference FAQ
What does articles and reference cover?
Article choice depends on what the listener can identify. Use indefinite forms to introduce one new countable reference and definite forms when the noun is already identifiable or represents a general category.
What is the first rule to remember?
Use un or una for a newly introduced singular countable noun, then el or la when referring to the same identifiable noun.
What is another important A2 pattern?
Spanish often uses a plural definite article when speaking about a class of people, animals, or things generally.
How can I practise Spanish articles and reference?
Complete the focused round, review each correction, and repeat the lesson when its skills become due again.