Article a and the in English. English articles and rules for their use with examples. Indefinite article an: features of use

That is, the absence of an article. In this article, we will take a look at the indefinite article a \ an in English.

Article a or an?

The indefinite article has two forms: a and an. The rule for their use is very simple.

Article in the form "A" used before a consonant: a boot, a tie, a lock, a house, a car, a job.
Article in the form "An" used before vowels: an apple, an iron, an oven, an error.

Even if the word starts with a consonant but starts with a vowel, “an” is used. These cases include:

Unpronounceable h at the beginning of a word: an hour[ən ˈAʊə], an honor[ən ˈɒnə].
Some abbreviations that are read by individual letters: an FBI agent[ən ɛf biː aɪ ˈeɪʤənt].

The indefinite article a \ an in English is a basic rule

If you reduce the rules to the main general, it will be like this.

General rule: the indefinite article is used to denote not a specific, but some, some subject (that's why it is called indefinite). In Russian, we would instead say “some”, “some”, “some”, “one”.

By the way, the article a \ an comes from the word one (one) - knowing this, it is easy to understand its meaning and use. Let's look at some examples.

I need a shovel... - I need (some) shovel.

I'd like to buy a ticket... - I would like to buy (one, some) ticket.

Compare, if you replace a \ an with the definite article the, the meaning changes:

I need the shovel... - I need (this, specific) shovel.

I'd like to buy the ticket... - I would like to buy (that specific) ticket.

Rules for the use of the article a (an) in English

Let's consider more specific rules. So, the article a \ an is used when:

1. This means everyone, no matter which representative of the class of objects or persons.

A baby can do that. - The baby (anyone) can do it.

A triangle has three sided. - A triangle (any) has three sides.

The article does not necessarily come directly in front of it; there may be a noun between them.

I need a cheap ball pen... - I need (some) cheap ballpoint pen.

I want to buy a good hockey stick... - I want to buy (some) good hockey stick.

Please note that if you put the definite article the in a similar case, the meaning will change dramatically, for example:

I want to buy the hockey stick... - I want to buy a (specific) club.

2. A noun describes who or what an object or person is.

Most often this is a profession, if we are talking about a person, or the name of an object (class of objects), if about something inanimate. In this case, the article is difficult to “translate” into Russian. You need to understand that a noun denotes an object / person as a whole, not as a separate instance, but as a generalizing concept.

I am a doctor... - I am a doctor.

He is anexperienced graphicdesigner... - He is an experienced graphic designer.

This is a snowboard... - It's a snowboard.

If we use the, we are not talking about the class of objects in general, but about a specific representative:

Hi is the experienced designer... - He is (that) experienced designer.

3. It is about one object or person.

That is, literally about an item in the amount of one piece. Here the article a \ an means almost the same as one.

I'd like a cup of hot chocolate. - I would like (one) cup of hot chocolate.

I need a day to rest. - I need (one) day to rest.

With the article the, the speech will also, in general, be about one subject, but about a specific one. For example, not just about a cup of chocolate, but about that cup that you brewed first, her froth came out prettier:

I'd like the cup of hot chocolate. - I would like (that) cup of hot chocolate.

4. We are talking about an object or person mentioned in the conversation for the first time ...

... and when we speak for the second, third, tenth time, we use the article the.

Here the use of articles is dictated by simple logic. Speaking about a subject for the first time, we usually talk about it as “some”, “some”.

- You know, I watched an interesting movie yesterday. - You know, I watched (some) interesting film yesterday.

Five minutes have passed, we have already discussed the film up and down, and we are not talking about it as a some, but how about quite a certain film:

- Yeah, I think, I'm going to rewatch the movie!- Yes, I think I will review (this) film.

In general, this rule is very easily broken. For example, I decided to intrigue the interlocutor and say right off the bat that I watched not just some movie, but THAT MOST movie:

- You know, I watched the movie yesterday. - You know, I watched THAT movie yesterday.

Or, in this particular conversation, the subject may be mentioned for the first time, but both interlocutors perfectly understand what it is about.

Mary: Honey, where is the mirror? - Darling, where is the mirror?

John: Your mom's present is in the bathroom, as always. - Your mom's present in the bathroom as usual.

5. In a number of stable expressions

Basically, they are related to time and quantity:

in a day \ week \ month \ year - every other day \ week \ month \ year
in an hour - in an hour
in a half an hour - in half an hour
a few - a few
a little - a little
a lot (great deal) of - a lot

The indefinite article a \ an is often used in persistent expressions like to have (to take) + noun, implying some kind of one-time action:

to have (take) a look - to look
to have a walk - take a walk
to have (take) a seat - to sit down
to take a note - to take a note, write down

Notes:

Some expressions in this scheme are used with article zero, for example: to have fun - have fun.
With the definite article the, in most cases, the words are used: the future, the past, the present.
The seasons are used with the or with the article zero: in (the) winter, in (the) summer, etc.

Indefinite article before adjective and pronoun

Articles (any) can be used before adjectives. In this case, they serve as determinants not to the adjectives, of course, but to the noun, the attribute of which these adjectives denote.

Used in front of singular and plural nouns when talking about something definite, specific.

The criminals robbed the bank . – The criminals robbed a bank (a specific one).

Please, close the door. - Please close the door (not any door in the house, but this door).

In other words, if you can add “some” in front of a noun, then there will be an indefinite article, and if “the very same” is appropriate, then a definite one.

The definite article is also used with nouns that mean:

1. Something unique, existing in a single copy

the Sun - the sun,

the Columbia river - Columbia river.

(about the article before proper names see below)

2. Periods (segments) of time

in the morning - in the morning,

in the past - in the past.

3. Before adjectives in superlative degree

the biggest mall in Moscow is the largest shopping center in Moscow.

The article can change the meaning of the entire sentence quite dramatically. For example:

I met a girl yesterday. - I met a girl on the street (I was just walking and saw some girl).

I met the girl yesterday. - I met a girl yesterday (I saw THAT MOST girl, for example, the love of my life).

Zero articles in English

In some cases, the article is not used at all before the noun, for example:

1. I mean something very generalized

Crime and punishement. - Crime (in general) and punishment (in general).

Life is strange. - Life is strange (life in general).

2. Before the names of days of the week, months, seasons

See you on Monday. - I'll see you on Monday.

August is the last month in summer. - August is the last month of summer.

3. Before the words indicating food intake

Let’s have breakfast. - Let's have breakfast.

Lunch is ready. - Lunch is ready.

Article before proper names

Difficulties with the article arise when we are faced with the question of the use of articles before proper names. You've probably noticed that, for example, there is no article before some geographical names, and before others the... Consider first when articles in front of proper names are not needed.

When the article is NOT placed before a proper name

In most cases, articles are not used before proper names. A proper name denotes a certain person or object, this is understandable even without the article, so usually the article is not needed in cases.

Here are examples of such cases:

1. Before names.

Jonh, Misha Sidorov, Lewis.

2. Before names with a form of address or title, degree, etc.

General Pupkin, Professor Pavlov, Mr. White.

3. Before common names that serve as an address.

In fact, they are considered as a proper name:

How are you doing, sergeant? - How are you, Sergeant?

How can I help you, professor? - How can the professor help you?

4. Before the names of family members, if they are used by members of the same family.

In such cases, the words father, mother, sister, etc. are used practically as proper names.

Let’s see what mom says - Let's see what mom says.

I’ve got to ask father about it - I have to ask my father about it.

Note: the word "mom" in the USA is written mom, and in the UK - mum.

When a proper article is needed before a name

There are cases when the article the is placed before proper names. A pattern is not always traced in them, here are some typical cases:

1. Before surnames in the plural in the meaning of "family such and such":

The whites live in Albuquerque - Whites (Whites family) lives in Albuquerque.

Have you invited the Petrovs? - Did you invite the Petrovs (the Petrovs' family)?

2. Before some place names.

This is a rather confusing moment, because in the use of the article before toponyms, somewhere there are patterns, somewhere not, and somewhere it is possible this way and that. For example, on maps, articles are never written before names to save space. Some common patterns and exceptions are well covered in this video from Puzzle English:

My personal note: I never tried to remember all the nuances of using articles before place names. And that's why. In speech, I use them very rarely, and if I use them, then the same ones (I’m from Russia). Even if I learn by heart everything Anton is talking about in the video, I will still happily forget most of it, since this knowledge is rarely useful. I do not see anything wrong with looking in a directory or googling in a difficult case. When I write in Russian, I often have to turn to reference books (anyone who writes something by the nature of their work will say the same thing), what can we say about a foreign language.

English articles in set expressions

There are a number of fixed expressions that use the definite or indefinite article.

Fixed expressions with the indefinite article A / AN
a few	several
a little	Little
a lot of	many
a great deal of	many
a good deal	many
as a rule	usually
as a result	as a result
as a matter of fact	as a matter of fact
at a speed of	with speed
at a time when	during the time when
for a while	for a while
for a long (short) time	for a long (short) time
in a low (loud) voice	in a quiet (loud) voice
to be in a hurry	hurry
to go for a walk	to go for a walk
to have a cold	to have a cold
to have a good time	have a good time
to have a mind	mean
to have a look	take a look
to have a smoke	light a cigarette
to have a rest	relax
to take a seat	sit down
to tell a lie	lie
It is a pity	it's a pity
It is a pleasure.	With pleasure.
What a shame!	What a disgrace!
Constraints with the definite article THE
by the way	by the way
in the morning	in the morning
in the afternoon	in the afternoon
in the evening	in the evening
in the country	outside the city, in the village
in the past	in past
in the present	present
in the future	in future
in the distance	in the distance
in the plural	in plural
in the singular	singular
in the street	outside
just the same	same
on the one hand ... on the other hand	on the one hand on the other hand
on the right (left)	right left)
in the whole	in general, in general
out of the question	impossible, excluded
on the other day	the other day (in relation to the past)
the day after tomorrow	day after tomorrow
the day before yesterday	the day before yesterday
to go to the theater (the cinema)	go to the theater (cinema)
to go to the country	to go out of town
to pass the time	spend time
to play the piano (guitar, violin, etc)	play the piano (guitar, violin, etc.)
to tell the truth	tell the truth (but speaking of lies - to tell a lie)
to tell the time	say what time it is
to the right (left)	right left)
What is the time?	What time is it now?
Set expressions WITHOUT article
to ask permission	ask permission
to be in bed	lie in bed, get sick
to be at home	be at home
to be at school	to be in school
to be at table	be at the table (at meal)
to be in town	to be in town
to be on holiday	to be on vacation
to declare war	to declare a war
to go by water (air, sea, land)	travel by water (air, sea, land)
to go home	Go home
to go to bed	go to sleep
to go to school	go to school (study)
to go to sea	become a sailor
to go to town	go to town
to keep house	farm
to leave school	to graduate school
to leave town	leave the city
to make haste	hurry
to make use of	use
to play chess (cards, hockey, etc.)	play chess (cards, hockey, etc.)
to take care	take care
to take part	participate
to take place	take place
to go by bus (car, train)	go by bus (car, train)
at breakfast (dinner, supper)	at breakfast (lunch, dinner)
at hand	at hand
at home	at home
at night	at night
at peace	in the world
at present	currently
at school	at school (in the classroom)
at sunrise	at dawn
at sunset	On the Sunset
at table	at the table
at war	at war
at work	at work
by air	by air
by chance	by chance
by day	in the afternoon
by hand	by hand
by heart	by heart
by land	by land
by sea	by sea
by mail	by mail
by means of	through
by mistake	mistakenly
by name	by the name
by night	at night
by phone	by phone
by post	by mail
by train (bus, taxi, etc.)	by train (bus, taxi, etc.)
in conclusion	Finally
in debt	in debt
in detail	in detail
in fact	really
in mind	mentally
in time	in time
in trouble	in trouble
on board	on board
on business	on business
on credit	on credit
on deck	on deck
on foot	on foot
on holiday	on holiday
on sale	on sale

In English, an article is a service part of speech that is used to express the category of certainty - uncertainty. By “certainty” we mean that we know what specific object or objects are being discussed, and by “uncertainty” we mean that we are talking about an object for the first time. For example:

I have got a pen. The pen is red. - I have a pen. The handle is red.

In the first case, we first mention the subject and announce that we have it. In the second sentence, both the speaker and the listener already understand what kind of pen we are talking about.

The article defines a noun and has no meaning of its own.

In English, there are three types of articles: the indefinite article a / an, the definite article the and zero, that is, the absence of an article.

The indefinite article a / an is used only with countable nouns, that is, everything that can be counted. He also shows that the subject is one.

I have got a book. - I have a book (just some kind of book).
I see a cat. - I see a cat.

An is used in the same cases, but if the next word begins with a vowel:

It is an armchair. - It's a chair.
It was an amazing day - It was a great day.

The zero article (or the absence of an article) also indicates ambiguity, but is used before plural nouns and before uncountable nouns. Uncountable is considered to be that which cannot be counted. This category in English includes substances, materials, abstract concepts. For example, milk - milk, porridge - porridge, paper - paper (meaning material).

Books are useful. - Books are useful (plural).
I like milk. - I like milk (real noun).
He has good memory. - He has a good memory (abstract noun).
It's made of glass. - It is made of glass (material).

The definite article the is used to indicate that the subject in question is already known. The article the can be used with both singular and plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns.

The juice I bought yesterday is very tasty. - The juice that I bought yesterday is very tasty (it is clear from the context what kind of juice we are talking about).
The book you gave me is very interesting. - The book you gave me is very interesting.
I can’t go home, I lost the keys. - I can't go home, I lost my keys (we understand that we mean specific keys - from his house).

Rules for using a / an, the and the zero article.

I. Use of the indefinite article a / an.

The most common use of the indefinite article is when we first mention a noun in conversation.

I live in a flat. - I live in the flat.

The article a / an is used in a classifying meaning (that is, it shows that a given object belongs to the class of similar, similar objects)
This dog is a girl. - This dog is a girl (not a boy).
The article a / an is also used in a generalized meaning (i.e. a noun denotes any item from a given class)
A tiger is an animal. - A tiger is an animal (any tiger is an animal).
The following use of the article a / an is to quantitatively characterize an object in the meaning of "one":
in a week - in a week (i.e. in one week)
However, if it is important for us to designate exactly the quantity, we should use one (one) instead of the indefinite article.
Only one student failed the exam. - Only one student failed the exam.
The article a is used in exclamation clauses after the words what (what, what for), quite (quite, quite), such (such), and before rather (enough) if they are followed by a countable noun in the singular:
What a lovely day today! - What a wonderful day today!
Such a nice dress! - What a cute dress!
A rather calm place! - Quite a calm place!
The indefinite article can be used with names or surnames in the meaning of "some", "some", "someone":
A Brown called you when you were in the bathroom. “Some Brown called you when you were in the bathroom.
Some stable phrases also use the article a:
a few - a few
a great deal of - a lot
a little - a little
as a rule - usually
as a result - as a result
to be in a hurry - to hurry
to be at a loss - get lost
to go for a walk - go for a walk
to have a good day - have a good day
to have a good time - have a good time
it is a pity - sorry
on a large / small scale - on a large / small scale
to take a seat - to sit down
to tell a lie - to lie

II. Use of the definite article the.

The article the is used to distinguish an object, person or phenomenon from a class similar to it. Such nouns can be preceded by a definition that will highlight the given word, expressed by an ordinal or adjective in a superlative degree:
That’s the film I told you about. - This is exactly the film that I told you about.
Monday is the first day of the week. - Monday is the first day of the week.
It was the best birthday ever! - It was the best birthday ever!
The definite article is used to refer to an item that is one of a kind:
the Sun - Sun
the Moon - the moon
the Earth - Earth
Also the article the is used with parts of the world:
the East - east
the West - west
the North - north
the South - south
The article the can come before surnames if all family members are meant:
the Browns - Browns (i.e. mom, dad, their children, grandparents, etc.)
The definite article the must also be placed before the names of oceans, seas, rivers and mountain ranges:
the Atlantic Ocean - Atlantic Ocean
the North Sea - North Sea
the Thames - Thames
the Alps - Alps
With the names of some countries and cities, you need to use the article the:
the United States of America
the United Kingdom of Great Britain
the Russian Federation - Russian Federation
the Crimea - Crimea
the Hague - The Hague
The definite article is placed before the names of newspapers and magazines:
the Times
the Washington Post
Some stable phrases and expressions require the setting of the article the:
the day after tomorrow - the day after tomorrow
the day before yesterday - the day before yesterday
in the morning (evening, afternoon) - in the morning (evening, afternoon)
on the whole - in general
out of the question - impossible / non-negotiable
to go to the theater (cinema) - go to the theater / cinema
to play the piano - play the piano
to tell the truth - to tell the truth

III. The use of the zero article.

The zero article is used in the following cases:

before proper names (first names, surnames, names of countries and cities):
New York - New York
James Green - James Green
Russia - Russia
if there is a possessive pronoun before the noun - my, your, his, her, our, their:
This is my home - This is my home.
I know your address - I know your address.
His sister is a teacher - His sister is a teacher.
before uncountable nouns that fall under the category of real and abstract nouns (if they are indefinite):
He is fond of coffee. - He likes coffee.
But: Pass me the salt, please. - Pass me the salt, please (the specific salt that is on the table).
before nouns that represent the names of the seasons and meals:
in winter - in winter
in July - in July
on Tuesday - on Tuesday
to have breakfast / dinner / lunch - have breakfast / dinner / lunch
before the names of disciplines:
to study Physics / Mathematics / Chemistry / French - study physics / mathematics / chemistry / French
before nouns denoting family members, or which are used as an address:
Goodbye, teacher! - Goodbye, teacher!
Dad, look! - Dad, look!
in some stable combinations and expressions:
at breakfast - at breakfast
at first - first
at home - at home
at sea - at sea
at school - at school (meaning the educational process)
at table - at the table (during meals)
by bus / train / car / plane / sea - by bus / by train / by car / plane / by ship
by heart - by heart
by chance - by chance
by name - by name
by means of - by means of something
in / on time - during
in fact - in reality / in fact
on sale - on sale
to go to bed - go to bed
to tell lies - to tell a lie / lie

There are also a number of special uses of the articles a / an, the and the zero article.

With the names of the seasons:
In the simplest case, a zero article is placed before the name of the season
In summer I like to go to the beach. - In the summer I like to go to the beach.
It was spring. - It was spring.
If the seasons are preceded by adjectives early, late (early, late), it is also necessary to put the zero article
It was late autumn. - It was late autumn.
If the sentence has a definition related to the season, the definite article the
The winter of 2001 was really cold. - The winter of 2001 was really cold.
After the words during, for, through, it is also necessary to put the article the
We stayed with friends for the summer. - We stayed with friends for the summer.
During the autumn he often came to see me. - In the fall, he often came to me.
If there is a descriptive definition before the seasons, the indefinite article a / an is required
It was a rainy autumn. - It was a rainy autumn.
Articles with the names of the time of day
If the word denotes daylight or dark time, the zero article is used
Night came and we couldn’t see anything. “Night fell and we saw nothing.
If there are prepositions at, after, by, before, till, until, towards, past, since before the time of day, the zero article is required
We have been waiting for you since morning. - We are waiting for you in the morning.
If the names of the time of day are part of a compound predicate, then the zero article is placed in front of them
It was night. - It was night.
If they are preceded by adjectives early, late (early, late), the zero article is also used
It was early morning. - It was early morning.
If before the time of day there are the words yesterday, tomorrow, as well as the names of the days of the week, then there will also be a zero article
We will need the computer tomorrow morning. “We'll need a computer tomorrow morning.
The zero article is also used in stable expressions:
all day / night long - all day / all night long
day after day - day after day
night after night - every night
day in, day out - from time to time
from… till… - from… to…
from… to… - from… to…
day and night - day and night
If there are descriptive definitions in front of the times of day, then the indefinite article a / an is put
It was a frosty night. - It was a frosty night.
If there is a restrictive definition, then you need to use the definite article
The night of that day was really noisy. “The night of that day was really noisy.
After the prepositions in, during, through, a definite article is put
During the night we heard our neighbors dog barking. - At night we heard the neighbor's dog barking.
Articles with meals
Typically, the zero article is used with meals. But:
If there is a definition, the article the
The breakfast you made was delicious. - The breakfast you made was great.
If by eating we mean food itself, we also need the definite article the
The dinner was awful. - The dinner was terrible. (That is, I did not like any of the dishes)
If there is a descriptive definition, put the indefinite article a / an
He made a great lunch for me. “He made a wonderful lunch for me.
Articles with names of diseases
As a rule, the names of diseases do not require an article, since diseases are classified as uncountable nouns. Some of them:
AIDS - AIDS;
anemia - anemia;
appendicitis - appendicitis;
bronchitis - bronchitis;
chicken pox (chickenpox) - chickenpox;
dermatitis - dermatitis;
diabetes - diabetes mellitus;
diphtheria - diphtheria;
food poisoning - food poisoning;
hypertension - hypertension, high blood pressure;
hypotension - hypotension, low blood pressure;
influenza - influenza;
insomnia - insomnia;
leukaemia - leukemia;
meningitis - meningitis;
pneumonia - pneumonia;
sclerosis - sclerosis;
sinusitis - sinusitis;
tuberculosis - tuberculosis;
tonsillitis - tonsillitis, tonsillitis.
But there are times when you can use the article the or the article a / an. For example:
The definite article the can be used with:
the measles - measles
the mumps - pig
the flu - flu
the plague - plague
Disease symptoms are used with the indefinite article a / an:
a runny nose - runny nose
a sore throat - sore throat
Articles with the words school, college, university, prison, class, bed, church.
· If the listed words are used in the meaning of "building, organization", then it is necessary to use the definite article the
Mr. Brown is in the hospital. - Mr. Brown is in the hospital. (i.e. it is inside the hospital building).
Susan "s mother will come to the school today - Susan's mother will come to school today.
· If these words imply educational activity or another process related to this place, then no article is put.
Mr. Brown is in hospital. - Mr. Brown is in the hospital (that is, he is being treated there).
Mike is in prison. - Mike is in jail (i.e. he's a prisoner).
She was in church this morning. - She was in church this morning (i.e. attended the service).
Susan is at school. - Susan at school. (i.e. she studies there)
Articles with "sea"
· If the word "sea" is used in the meaning of "sea", as a geographical name, then the article the is needed.
the Baltic Sea - Baltic Sea
· If the word "sea" is used in the sense of a maritime profession, then the zero article is required
to go to sea - go to sea
to be at sea - to be at sea
Articles with the words "town", "country"
If the words "town" and "country" are opposed to each other in meaning, then in the expression in town (in the city) should use the zero article, and in the expression in the country (in the village) - the definite article.
I will be in town tomorrow. “I'll be in town tomorrow.
We spent the weekend in the country. - We spent the weekend in the village.

An article is a service word showing that the word behind it is a noun and describing some of its features. Articles allow you to distinguish from other parts of speech. They perform other tasks as well.

There are two articles in English: uncertain — a (an) and definite — the.

The indefinite article before words that start with a consonant is used in the form a[ə], for example: a desk [ə’desk], a book [ə’bʊk]; before words that start with a vowel sound, in the form an[ən], for example: an animal [ən'ænɪməl], an eye [ən'aɪ]. The name of the article itself (without a noun) always sounds [eɪ].

Definite article the before words that start with a consonant, pronounced as [ðə], for example: the table [ðə’teɪbl], the pen [ðə’pen]; before words that start with a vowel like [ðɪ], for example: the apple [ðɪ’æpl], the arm [ðɪ’ɑːm]. The name of the article itself is always pronounced as [ðɪ].

When writing and pronouncing articles, it is important with which sound the word begins, and not with which letter. For example, if the initial letter is u reads like [ʌ], then you need to put an(an uncle [ən'ʌŋkl]), but if how, then - a(a union ['ju: nɪon]).

Another example: if at the beginning of a word the letter h pronounced, then you need to put a(a hen [ə’hen] chicken), but if not pronounced, then - an(an hour [ən'auə] hour).

Indefinite article

has two forms - a and an;
denotes an incomprehensible / unfamiliar object.

Definite article

has one form - the;
denotes an understandable / familiar subject.

Articles are never stressed and in speech they merge with the word that follows them. If there is an adjective, the article is placed before it. Compare: an apple - a big green apple.

Use of the article

When using articles, it is important to consider in what number (singular or plural) the noun stands and what its type is, namely: common noun or proper, countable or uncountable, abstract or specific.

In many cases, the use (or absence) of an article is governed by grammatical rules, but in some cases it is traditional. Such cases need to be remembered.

Indefinite article

The indefinite article comes from the numeral one(one). It is usually not translated into Russian, but it could be translated as “one”, “one of” or “some”, “some”. Therefore, the indefinite article can only be used with countable nouns and only in the singular. '

When an object, creature or person is mentioned for the first time, for example: I see a boy (I see (some) boy).
If turnover is used there is, for example: There is an apple in my pocket (I have an apple in my pocket / in my pocket).
If turnover is used have something / have got something, for example: I have (got) an orange.
If the profession, position, nationality and other characteristics of a person are named, for example: I am a teacher (I am a teacher); Her son is a pupil (Her son is a pupil).
When you need to indicate that a given object (creature, person) belongs to a certain group (the property of the group is expressed by an adjective), for example: Do you know that town? Yes, it is a nice small town. (In this case, it is not necessary for the item to be mentioned for the first time.)
If you need to specifically emphasize that there is only one subject, for example: Do you have pencils? Yes, I have a pencil (Do you have pencils? Yes, there is (one)). (Here, too, the subject does not have to be mentioned for the first time.)

Definite article

The definite article comes from the demonstrative pronoun that(this). He singles out a specific object from among similar ones ("this", "this one", "the same").

If the subject has already been mentioned and the speech continues about it, for example: My friend has got a dog. He walks with the dog every day (My friend has a dog. He walks the dog every day). But: My friend has got a dog. My sister also has a dog (My friend has a dog. My sister also has a dog).
If the item or items belong to a special group, for example: The flowers in our garden are very beautiful. (Here in our garden is a special group, so the word flowers is spelled with a definite article. In this case, the word may be mentioned for the first time, but the article will be definite.)
If the noun is preceded by an ordinal, for example: The second lesson is English. (In this case, we are talking about a specific and only one: there can be only one second lesson.)
If the noun is preceded by a superlative adjective, for example: Not is the best pupil in our school. (In this case, we are talking about the specific and only: there can be only one best student.)
When it comes to a unique phenomenon or object. (Therefore, the Earth and the Sun are usually written. Here the use of the definite article is similar to the spelling of a word with a capital letter in Russian.)
If we are talking about familiar furnishings and the surrounding world, for example: Where is my coat? It hangs at the door (It is not necessary that a specific door is meant - it is simply called a familiar piece of furniture).
If an abstract noun is used in some of its particular manifestations, for example: I cannot see anything in the darkness! (I can't see anything in this darkness!)

No article (zero article)

In the absence of an article, they also say that there is a zero article.

When an object (thing, creature, face) is mentioned for the first time in the plural, for example: I see boys in the street (I see (some) boys on the street).
If turnover is used there are with a plural noun, for example: There are apples in my pocket (I have apples in my pocket).
If turnover is used have something / have got something, for example: I have (got) oranges in my fridge (I have oranges in my fridge).
If the name of the profession, position, nationality and other characteristics of two or more people, for example: We are teachers (We are teachers); Her sons are pupils.
When you need to indicate that these items belong to a certain group (the property of the group is expressed by an adjective), for example: Did you hear these songs? Yes, these were very nice songs (Did you hear these songs? Yes, they were very nice songs). (In this case, it is not necessary for the word to be called the first time.)
If an abstract noun is used in the most general sense, for example: Darkness is the absence of light.
If the noun is preceded by a possessive pronoun, for example: My house is yellow.
If a noun is preceded by a negation no(not not!), for example: We have no bread on the table.

It's important to know! If in cases 1-5 uncountable nouns are used (they do not have a plural), then the article is also absent. All of these cases are analogous to the use of the indefinite article with countable nouns in the singular.

The use of an article with proper names

Proper names are usually used without an article, for example: Moscow, New York, Elizabeth, Trafalgar Square, Elbrus.

Names of rivers, seas, oceans, for example: the Mississippi - Mississippi (river); the Baltic Sea - Baltic Sea; the Atlantic Ocean - Atlantic Ocean.
The names of some states, for example: the Russian Federation - Russian Federation; the Ukraine - Ukraine; the Brazil - Brazil; the USA - USA; the United Kingdom - United Kingdom.
Some other geographical names (with the article - by tradition), for example: the Caucasus - Caucasus; the Crimea - Crimea; the Hague - The Hague (city in the Netherlands).
Names of mountains (mountain systems), for example: the Alps - Alps.
Names of the cardinal points: the North - north; the South - south; the East - east; the West - west.
Names of newspapers and magazines, for example: the Times - The Times.
Hotel names, for example: the Savoy - "Savoy".
The name of the whole family (all family members) by surname, for example: the Krasnovs - Krasnovs (Krasnov family).

Continental names, for example: America - America; Asia - Asia; Africa - Africa.
The names of most countries, for example: Russia - Russia; India - India; France - France; Great Britain - Great Britain.
City names, for example: London - London; Paris - Paris; Moscow - Moscow.
Names of streets and squares, for example: Green Street - Green Street; Red Square - Red Square.
Names of months and days of the week, for example: I'll see you in September / on Sunday.
Names and surnames, for example: Jack Black, Ivan Petrov.

Collocations with and without an article

Combinations without article

after school / work - after school / work
at half past two - at half past two
at night - at night
at home - at home; at work - at work
at school - at school (in the classroom)
at table - at the table (that is, at lunch, etc.)
by heart - by heart
by post - by mail
from beginning to end - from beginning to end
from morning till night - from morning to evening
go to bed - go to bed
in front of - in front
play football / hockey - play football / hockey
to go / come home - go / come home

Indefinite article combinations

at a quarter past two - at a quarter past two
go for a walk - go for a walk
have a good time - have a good time
have a look - take a look
in a hurry - in a hurry
in a low / loud voice - quiet / loud
It's a pity! - It's a pity!
It's a pleasure! - Very nice!
It's a shame! - Ashamed!

Combinations with a definite article

go to the theater / cinema - go to the theater / cinema
in the country - outside the city, in the village
in the morning / afternoon / evening - morning / afternoon / evening
keep the house - stay at home
on / to the right / left - right, right / left, left
play the piano / guitar - play the piano / guitar
the other day - the other day
What is the time? - What time is it now?

Kekesalan glikogenesis Republik Pertemanan Federal bandar togel memperkuat Bosnia - Herzegovina ikutserta sisa Slovenia acuan Kroasia angan-angan memisahkandiri keterasingan abadi berzaman-zaman 1991 Setiap etnis diberi wadah pertimb

Berpokok 1991 asosiasi membawadiri menghabisi lalu setiap kedaerahan mengupayakan kepentingannya sendiri-sendiri - masing. Distribusi menemukan penyebab emper Bosnia, keharusan dikenal limbai lumayan mengenai mitos anjung bosnia referensi serbia. Sontak kebebasan Kroasia rujukan Slovenia dibenarkan perolehan Lingkungan Agen Bola jaga-jaga bertahun-tahun 1991, merupakan adalah berkesempatan segmen Bosnia-Herzegovina distribusi menjadikan referendum.

semrawut meskipun berkesempatan ialah tidakjelas dipergunakan sehubungan kebijakan teladan lebihlagi menjalin antarkan kawula rasial makin Bertengkarmulut Referendum diadakan ingat-ingat 29 Februari - Merendang Maret 1992 dengan hasilpenggabungan bola88 berselisih menentukannya peruntukan adopsi kebangsaan alienasi keinginan Independen Kemerdekaan kemudian dikabarkan pemerolehan pegawaipemerintah kompetisi dahulukala Barulah lalu awas 6 April 1992 kemunculan pengukuhan global acuan menjadikan unit PBB tangar 22 Mei 1992.

Articles in English

Articles in English indicate the definiteness or indefiniteness of a noun, in other words, it lets us understand which subject / concept is being discussed: abstract or concrete. For a Russian-speaking person, articles cause a lot of difficulties, because in our language they simply do not exist. However, dealing with this unknown part of speech is not as difficult as it seems.

Article functions

The English language has only two articles: a (an) and the - the first is used with indefinite nouns, and the second with definite ones. In order to understand more deeply where and what to put it is necessary to consider each separately.

Indefinite article in English

Let's start with the indefinite article a (an). Its spelling changes depending on which letter (consonant or vowel) the noun begins, which will be preceded by the article.

Consonant letter: a dog - dog
Vowel: an apple - an apple

The indefinite article has two features:

used only when it comes to an abstract concept or an object that is seen for the first time;
used with nouns only in the singular, since the article itself is derived from the numeral one (one).

The article a (an) indicates that the noun is not considered as a specific object, but as a long concept. For example, a cup will mean some (any) dishware in the form of a cup, and not your favorite cup with the head of a stormtrooper from which you have been drinking coffee in the morning for the second year. Thus, the indefinite article in English is used either when we encounter an object for the first time, and we still do not know anything about it, or when we are talking about an abstract, collective concept.

The definite article in English

If you want to mention that very special morning cup in a conversation, you will need the definite article the. It originated from the pronoun that (that) and is used in cases where it is known exactly which object is being discussed.

Example: I met a man. The man was very strange - I met a man. The man was very strange.

In the first sentence, we meet a stranger for the first time, in which case an indefinite article is placed before the word man. In the second sentence, we draw a conclusion regarding the person we have just talked about. It is no longer unknown, which allows us to put the definite article the before the word man.

The definite article the can be used with both singular and plural nouns.

To finally understand the definite article, you can consider another example - the trilogy The Lord of the Rings ("The Lord of the Rings"). Here, within the same name, the definite article is used twice. This is due to the fact that in both cases we are talking about specific objects: about one sole ruler (Sauron) and about the only rings created by him. If the term "lord of the rings" meant a profession, then we could say a lord of rings, but that would be a completely different story.

Zero article, or when the article is not needed at all

The main difficulty in learning English articles is remembering when they do not need to be used.

A noun does not always need additional clarification in the form of articles - sometimes other parts of speech take on their role. Articles are not used if:

the noun is preceded by a pronoun (my, his, her, their, one's, this, that, etc.);
the words some, any, no are in front of the noun;
names of people or names of continents, islands, mountains;
uncountable concept (advice, information).

Visual table about articles

As a rule, information is absorbed faster if you consider it in the form of a systematized table. We have prepared such a table for your convenience.

Indefinite article a / an	The definite article the	Absence of an article
This is one subject out of many similar an apple - (some) apple a cow - (some) cow	It is known exactly what specific object is in question the apple - (the same) apple the cow - (the same) cow	The noun is preceded by a pronoun (my, his, her, their, one’s, this, that, etc.) my apple - my apple this cow - this cow
The object is mentioned for the first time I met a man - I met (some) person	This is the only facility in the world the Earth - Earth	A noun is preceded by the words some, any, no any piece - any piece
Profession designation a doctor - doctor an engineer - engineer	There is an ordinal or superlative before a noun the second floor - second floor the best singer - the best singer	Before the names of people or geographic features such as continents, islands and mountain peaks Mary - Mary Eurasia - Eurasia Tasmania - Tasmania (island) Mount Everest - Mount Everest
	Before the geographical names of countries formed using common nouns (as well as their abbreviations) The Russian Federation (The RF) - Russian Federation (RF) The United States of America (The USA) - United States of America (USA) The United Kingdom (The UK) - United Kingdom The United Arab Emirates (The UAE) - United Arab Emirates (UAE)	Before the names of countries, peninsulas Kanada from Canada Spain - Spain Kamchatka - Kamchatka (peninsula)
	Before place names of countries in the plural The Netherlands - Netherlands The Philippines - Philippines	If the word lake is in front of the name of the lake, the names of the bays Lake Baikal - Lake Baikal Bounty Bay - Bounty Bay
	Before the names of oceans and seas The Volga - Volga (river) The Caribbean sea - Caribbean Sea The Atlantic Ocean - Atlantic Ocean	It's about an uncountable concept information - information knowledge - knowledge
	The designation of the cardinal points the east - East the qest - West

Figuring out when and how to use articles is easy enough. But to remember these rules and not to think every time before pronouncing or writing the next noun, you definitely need practice.