Articles - A An The

Articles in English are complicated, and there are many rules for their use. However, learning a few general rules about the use of the articles is helpful; the logic of these rules can be transferred to most uses of the article. In addition to learning the rules, you can gain a good working use of the articles through reading and listening. Remember that the article is not stressed, so don't listen for its full value! Also, ask native speakers to help you when you don't know whether or not to use the article.

Table of Articles

Quick Hints

• a before consonants (abook)
  an before vowels (anexam)
  
  
• Pronunciation is what matters.
  anhour ('h' is silent and it's pronounced: an our)

Some Rules using Articles

Singular count nouns:

My daughter wants to buy a dog this weekend. (Indefinite-Could be any dog)
The dog in the backyard is very cute.(Definite-The one in the backyard)

He requested a puppy for his birthday.
He wanted the puppy he played with at the pet shop.
She ordered a hamburger without onions.
Did you drink the coke I just ordered?

Plural count nouns:

Use "the" or Nothing, never 'a'.

Come and look at the children. (definite)
Children are always curious. (indefinite)
She loves flowers. (indefinite)
The flowers in her garden are beautiful. (definite)
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Non-count nouns:

Use "the" or nothing.

He has experience. (if indefinite or mentioned for the first time)
He has the experience necessary for the job. (if definite or mentioned before)

The medicine the doctor prescribed had unpleasant side effects.
Writing in a second language is especially challenging.
Have you studied the history of South Africa?
History reminds us that events repeat themselves.

Definite Article THE Rules

Adjectives as Nouns

When referring to a group of people by use of an adjective rather than a noun, use "the".

Names of Countries

Some countries are preceded by "the", usually if the name is plural, contains an adjective, or includes "of".

Cities and Streets use nothing

Rivers, Oceans, Seas, Groups of Mountains & Islands use "the"

Numbers

Titles of People

When a title is used without a name, use "the"

Schools

When a school has "of" in its title, use "the"

When a school does not have "of" in its title, use nothing

Location versus Activity

When referring to an activity, use nothing
I am going to school now.(activity-study)
He is always on time for class. (activity-learn)

When referring to the location , use "the"

The meeting is at the school. (location-campus)
They are remodeling the movie theater. (location-building)
The new student had trouble finding the class. (location-classroom)

Unique Objects - Use THE