Read-Aloud Check-In #3 Articles - Use the arctile "a" or "an" the first time you talk about something. Use "a" before consonant sounds. Use "an" before vowel sounds. - Use the article "the" when you talk about something for the second time. - Use "the" for things that are known to both you and the listener. - Use "the" when there is only one of something. The car needs a battery and an air filter. The battery is weak, and the air filter is dirty. Today is a warm day, and the sun is shining.