English articles

1. Articles
Indefinite article - A, An Definite Article - The
Where to Use Article Where Not to Use Article
We use the to talk about specific things or
people; when it’s clear which things or people
we are talking about.
We do not use an article before names
of meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
We use the before names of musical
instruments.
We do not use an
article before next and last + time
expression (when they mean before or after
now).
We use a/an when we mention something for
the first time.
We don't use an article before names of
languages and school subjects.
We use a/an to talk about people’s jobs (a
pianist).
We do not use an article before names
of years, months and days of the week.
We use a/an to say what kind of person or
thing something/somebody is (a great
musician).
We do not use an article before plural or
uncountable nouns to talk about something
in general.
We use the when there’s only one of
something.
We do not use an article with TV (when
used as a broadcasting service, NOT as an
appliance)
But: Turn off the TV. I’ve bought a new TV.
We use the before superlative adjectives. We do not use an article before names of
languages and school subjects.
(He doesn’t speak English)
We use the, when mentioning Common
places in town
(the park, the cinema, the doctor, etc.)
The indefinite article is used before unspecific nouns.
 I need a (Any pen)
 I need the pen on the table. (The specific pen on the table)
 He bought a (A car we don’t know about)
 He bought the car we looked at yesterday. (The specific car)
The Indefinite Article (A/AN)
The indefinite article is “a” or “an“. These are used
for unspecific, or general, nouns. These are only used when the
noun is singular.
 I have a

2.  She lives in an
 I saw a
The definite article is used for specific nouns.
 The teacher is Canadian. (Mr. Jacobs)
 The bicycle is broken. (His bicycle)
Specific nouns can be countable and uncountable.
Countable Nouns
 The book is on the table. (Singular)
 The books are on the table. (Plural)
Uncountable Nouns
 The water is on the table.
 The sugar is sweet.