This document discusses the use of definite and indefinite articles (a/an and the) in English, as well as cases when no article is used. It provides examples for using definite articles when referring to something unique, specific, previously mentioned, or as a generic term. Indefinite articles are used with singular countable nouns for the first time or when the specific one is unimportant. No article is used with uncountable nouns, plural nouns, abstract nouns, continents, countries, streets, illnesses, and certain expressions involving locations and meals.

1. ARTICLES
SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2021

2. The definite article: the
1. When the person or thing referred to is unique.
• The sun came out and soon we were dry.
• The president is giving a speech tonight.
• He won a medal at the Olympic Games.
2. When the rest of the sentence makes it clear what we are referring to
• The head of my old school was called Mr Jones.
• The woman who stopped me was wearing a badge.
3. When the surrounding context makes it clear what we are referring to.
• Your shoes are in the cupboard.
• Your dinner’s is the fridge.

3. 4. To talk about previously mentioned things or people.
• A man and a woman walked past. The man was wearing sunglasses.
5. With superlatives
• He’s the bravest person in the team.
6. To talk about generic class of things (often on topics related
to science or technology)
• The bicycle was invented about 200 years ago.
• The panda is in danger of becoming extinct.

4. The definite article continued
1. With some social and national groups, when making
generalisations (followed by a plural verb).
• The unemployed need more support.
• Some of the English are descended from Danish invaders.
2. With areas such as north, centre, etc.
• Most of the population live in the north.
3. With oceans, seas, rivers and deserts.
• He’s sailed across the Atlantic.
• We went by canoe up the Orinoco.
• She said she’d driven across the Sahara.

5. 4. With plural mountain ranges and island
groups
• Are the Andes as high as the Himalayas?
• The British Isles include the Isle of Wight and
the Isle of Man.
5. With countries whose name includes a
common noun such as republic, isles,
islands, states.
• He’s from the Czech Republic, but he’s living
in the United States.

6. The indefinite article: a/an
1. With singular countable nouns (mentioned for the first time
or when it doesn’t matter which one).
• I’d like a sandwich and a glass of water.
• What you need is a rest.
• A man has come to see you.
2. To talk about (singular) jobs and interests.
• She’s a lawyer.
• I’m a big football fan.

7. 3. With these numbers: 100; 1,000; 1,000,000.
• There were over a hundred people at the wedding.
• He made a million pounds in one year.
4. In Exclamations about singular countable nouns.
• What an amazing view!

8. ZERO ARTICLE (NO ARTICLE)
1. For uncountable, plural and abstract nouns used on their general
sense.
• We had awful weather on holiday.
• Happiness isn’t the only thing in life.
2. For continents, countries, mountains and lakes.
• They’re going to visit Africa.
• Have you been to Nepal?
• He’s climbed Mount Everest.
• Is Lake Titicaca in Peru?
3. For villages, towns and cities.
• Wellington is the capital of New Zealand.

9. 4. For streets and roads.
• There are some nice houses on School Road.
5. For some illnesses.
• I’ve got flu and Sue’s got indigestion.
WATCH
OUT! I’ve got a headache and I think I’m getting a
cold.

10. There are no articles in the following expressions:
• to/at/ from
school/university/college
• at home
• go home
• in/to class
• to/in/into/from church
• to/in/into/ out of prison/hospital/bed
• to/ay/from work
• for/at/to breakfast/lunch/dinner
• by
car/bus/bicycle/plane/train/tube/boat