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The Indefinite Article – A/An

We use A/AN with:

1. Singular nouns and the first time we refer to a person, animal or thing.
- a child, an elephant, a television

2. We don't use A/AN with possessive pronouns, demonstratives or cardinal numbers.
- My shirt is dirty. This car is expensive. One person is in the reception.

3. We use ONE (or more) instead of A/AN when the number is important.
- There is only one exit from the airport.

The Definite Article – The

We use THE with:

1. A singular or plural noun when it is clear/obvious which person or thing we are talking about.
- There is a lamp in my bedroom. (we mention the lamp for the first time)
- The lamp is next to the desk.

2. Anything which we identify immediately.
- We watched the new Brad Pitt movie last night.

3. Musical instruments (the violin, the guitar, the drums, the flute, the piccolo).
- She plays the piano.

4. Something that is unique or there is only one.
- the sun, the moon, the internet.

5. Names of rivers, seas, oceans, mountain ranges and deserts (always in capitals).
- The Mississippi River, The Coral Sea, The Andes, The Sahara Desert.

6. Directions (cardinal points).
- the west, the south-east, the north-west.

No Article

We use no article with:

1. When we refer to general ideas, plurals or uncountable nouns we do not use THE.
- Religion is an important issue. (NOT The religion is an important issue)
- Mexican food is spicy. (NOT The Mexican food is spicy).

2. Names of people, books and plays (unless it is part of the title).
- I have read Romeo and Juliet.

3. Towns, cities, states and countries.
- Cape Town, Montana, Vietnam.
(Exceptions – The USA, The UK, The Netherlands, The Czech Republic, The Philippines).

4. Lakes, single islands, continents or mountains.
- Lake Victoria, Jamaica, Asia, Mt Fuji.

5. Planets
- Mars, Jupiter, Saturn.

6. Sports or games
- soccer, tennis, skiing, monopoly.

7. Meals
- breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper.

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Last Updated: 01 January 2009