Articles: A/An, The & Zero Article

1.1 Use «a» or «an» with singular when they are not specific. Use «the» to refer to a particular person, thing, or situation that is known to the speaker or the listener.

«A» is used before words starting with a consonant sound, and «an» is used before words starting with a vowel sound.

Examples

She wants to buy a house. (=not specific, some house)

The teacher is very kind. (=specific person, our teacher)

We enjoyed the party last night. (specific situation)

1.2 Use «a» or «an» nouns when mentioning something for the first time. Use «the» if you mention it for the second time.

Examples

He bought a car last year. (= you mention it for the first time) The car wasn’t very expensive. (=second mentioning)

I saw a dog on the street. The dog was very friendly. 

She bought a new book. The book is about history.

1.3 Use «a/an» when describing someone's occupation.

Examples

She is a doctor.

My sister is a teacher.

He works as an engineer.

1.4 Use plural countable nouns without an article or quantifier when talking about things in general.

Examples

Cats are great pets. 

People enjoy watching movies.

Doctors help people stay healthy.

1.5 Use uncountable nouns without an article when talking about substances, concepts, or abstract ideas in general.

Examples

Water is essential for life.

She has experience in teaching.

Music makes people happy.

1.6 Use definite articles with unique nouns: institutions and organisations, geographical objects etc.

Examples

The BBC is a well-known broadcasting corporation. 

The Moon goes around the Earth.

1.7 Use definite articles to refer to a group of people described by their characteristics or nationality.

Examples

The Brazilians are known for their passion for football.

The young are often interested in technology.

The government introduced a new policy to help the unemployed. 

The program provides assistance to the elderly.

1.8 Use abstract nouns (e.g., happiness, freedom, love, information) without articles when referring to general concepts or ideas in an uncountable sense.

Examples

Happiness is the key to a fulfilling life.

Freedom is something everyone deserves.