This document discusses the use of definite and indefinite articles (a, an, the) in English. It explains that "a" and "an" are used with non-specific singular nouns, while "the" is used with specific or definite singular and plural nouns. No article is used with uncountable nouns or indefinite plural count nouns. Examples are provided to illustrate the rules for using articles correctly in different contexts.

1. Definite and indefinite articles When to use a, an, the or no article.

2. “ A ” and “ An ” = indefinite articles I’ve always wanted to have a dog for a pet. Pablo bought a new bike yesterday. I went to see a movie last night. We need a doctor right now!

3. In each of these cases, we are not referring to a particular item…a particular dog, movie or doctor. “ A ” or “ An ” is used before a singular noun when it refers to a non-specific item.

4. “ The ” = definite article The dog my father bought for me is a poodle. The bike that Pablo bought cost him Bs2,000. The movie we saw last night was very funny. The doctor who assisted us was an intern.

5. In each of these cases, we are referring to a specific dog, movie or person. “ The ” is used before singular or plural nouns when they are definite.

6. Do not use “ The ” before names of most countries: Except The Netherlands, The Dominican Republic, The Philippines, The United States, The United Kingdom names of cities, towns, or states names of streets names of mountains Except The Andes or the Rockies names of continents

7. No article No article is used before non-count nouns We can stay here and listen to music or watch videos . Do you like chocolate ?

8. No article No article is used before plural count nouns that are indefinite, i.e. not specific. I bought tickets for the movies tonight. My brother loves movies that are violent.

9. Article or no article? I love romantic movies. I need tickets for the game tomorrow. Do you like coffee? The romance movie I saw yesterday made me cry. Did you get the tickets for the baseball game tomorrow? Can you get me a kilo of the flavoured coffee?