Articles in English indicate the definiteness or indeterminacy of a noun, in other words, it makes us understand what object/concept we are talking about: abstract or concrete. For a Russian-speaking person, articles cause many 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.
Functions of the article
The English language has only two articles: a (an) and the - the first is used with indefinite nouns, and the second with definite nouns. In order to better understand where and which one to put, it is necessary to consider each separately.
The 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 with, which will be preceded by the article.
Consonant letter: a dog - dog
Vowel: an apple - apple
The indefinite article has two features:
- used only when talking about an abstract concept or an object that is seen for the first time;
- is used with nouns only in the singular, since the article itself comes from the numeral one (one).
The article a (an) indicates that the noun is considered not as a specific object, but as a spatial concept. For example, a cup will mean some (any) piece of tableware in the form of a cup, and not your favorite cup in the shape of a stormtrooper’s head from which you have been drinking coffee in the morning for the second year now. Thus, the indefinite article in English is used either when we encounter an object for the first time, and we still know nothing about it, or when we are talking about an abstract, collective concept.
The definite article in English
If you wanted to mention that very special morning cup in a conversation, you will need the definite article the. It comes from the pronoun that (that) and is used in cases where it is known exactly what object we are talking about.
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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 this case the indefinite article is placed before the word man. In the second sentence, we make a conclusion about the person we just talked about. He has ceased to be unknown, which allows us to put the definite article the in front of the word man.
The definite article the can be used with both singular and plural nouns.
To finally understand the definite article, we can consider another example - The Lord of the Rings trilogy. 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 single ruler (Sauron) and about the only rings created by him. If the concept “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 to remember in which cases they should not be used.
A noun does not always require 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 nouns are preceded by the words some, any, no;
- 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 systematic table. We have prepared this table for your convenience.
| Indefinite article a/an | The definite article the | No article |
|---|---|---|
| We are talking about one item out of many similar ones. an apple - (some kind of) apple a cow - (some kind of) cow |
It is known exactly what specific object we are talking about 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 |
We are talking about the only object in the world the Earth - Earth |
Nouns are preceded by the words some, any, no any piece - any piece |
| Designation of professions 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 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 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) The United Kingdom (The UK) - United Kingdom The United Arab Emirates (The UAE) |
Before the names of countries, peninsulas Canada Spain - Spain Kamchatka - Kamchatka (peninsula) |
|
| Before geographical names of countries in the plural The Netherlands The Philippines - Philippines |
If the word lake precedes the name of the lake, the names of the bays Lake Baikal - Lake Baikal Bounty Bay |
|
| Before the names of oceans and seas The Volga - Volga (river) The Caribbean sea The Atlantic Ocean - Atlantic Ocean |
We are talking about an uncountable concept information - information knowledge - knowledge |
|
| Designation of cardinal directions the east - East the quest — West |
Figuring out when and how to use articles is quite simple. But in order to remember these rules and not think every time before pronouncing or writing another noun, you definitely need practice.
Hello my wonderful readers!
You can probably guess which word is the most frequently used in English, right? Of course it is article "the". And today we will analyze where its use in English is appropriate and where it is not. We will study the rules for its use, look at numerous examples, and analyze a table with set expressions that you can always have at hand. And then you can go to and to consolidate everything you've learned here.
Go ahead, friends!
A little grammar
If the article “a” (more about it!) is used only with nouns that can be counted, then “the” is used with all nouns: and in singular and plural; with both countable and uncountable objects .
By the way, the pronunciation of the article also changes depending on which letter the next word begins with. If the word begins with a consonant, then the article is pronounced as [ðə], for example the banana - banana. But if an object begins with a vowel, it is pronounced like [ði], for example, the apple - apple.
When to use
- If in speech or writing subject already mentioned, then in the future you can use this article with it.
I received an e-mail from my friends. The letter told me that they would visit me on the weekend.- I received a letter from my friends. The letter said that they would visit me on the weekend.
- With unique items that are one of a kind, we also use the - the sun, the moon, the Earth.
The moon today is extremely beautiful.- The moon is incredibly beautiful today.
- The article has a special relationship with geographical names. With names rivers, deserts, oceans, island groups and mountain ranges We can confidently use the article, but we must not forget about exceptions. I talk about them in great detail.
The Atlantic Ocean is the most beautiful ocean on the planet.- The Atlantic Ocean is the most beautiful ocean on the planet.
The Comoro Islands attract lots of tourists every year.- The Comoros Islands attract many tourists every year.
- With titles hotels, cinemas, ships, museums, galleries and newspapers We most often also use the definite article.
The Hilton hotel is about to open in our city.- A Hilton hotel is about to open in our city.
The Louvre is the most attended museum in Europe.- The Louvre is the most visited museum in Europe.
- With adjectives of the highest degree of comparison: the most, the best, the worst.
The most beautiful place I’ve ever been is Japan in spring.- The most beautiful place I have ever seen is Japan in spring.
The best books I’ve ever read were about Harry Potter.- The best books I have read are Harry Potter.
- With musical tools and names dancing.
The violin is my most beloved musical instrument.- The violin is my favorite musical instrument.
The contemporary has become very popular among dancers some years ago.- Contempo became very popular among dancers several years ago.
When not to use
Knowing when the definite article is used is extremely important, but it is also equally important to know when it is used. Not used.
- With plural nouns that can't be counted when we tell something general.
Trees produce oxygen.- Trees produce oxygen. (Any trees, in general)
- With names own and before names we never use it.
Jinny is very talented. She can play 3 different musical instruments.- Ginny is very talented. She can play three different instruments.
- With titles countries, cities, streets, parks, mountains, lakes, bridges and islands we try to avoid it.
Spain is mostly famous for its football club Barcelona. - Spain is mainly known for its football club Barcelona.
I dream of climbing Everest.- I dream of climbing Everest.
- With names sports, activities, games, colors, days, months, drinks, lunches he's not friendly.
I can speak Turkish a little.- I can speak a little Turkish.
I was born in July. - I was born in July.
My favorite color is green. - Green is my favorite color.
- If we have pronouns this, that, those- We Not we use "the". In addition, with possessive We also do not use pronouns (and the possessive case in general!).
This the ball was signed by a famous football player.- This ball was signed by a famous football player.
Kathy's dress is ready. I've already cleaned it.- Casey's dress is ready. I cleaned it yesterday.
- With words school, church, hospital, college, university, court, prison we use it or we don't use it depending on the meaning. Let's see an example:
I go to school from Monday to Friday.- I go to school from Monday to Friday. (as a student)
My mother went to the school for a meeting. - My mother went to school for a meeting. (As a parent, not as a student)
- With titles diseases we can also use or do not use article.
I've got (the) flu. - I got sick.
Set expressions
Both the and a form stable expressions that cannot be changed in any way. So let's get to know them (By the way, if you need general information about articles in the English language, then you should).
I am sure that now that you have a hint in the form of a table and structured rules in your hands, it will be much easier for you to master the ones that I have prepared for you. And after them you can move on. Practice as much as possible, study, learn new rules and improve your English.
And I’m ready to help you with this. The materials on my blog are constantly updated, and my subscribers receive them even before they appear on the site. I’m waiting for you there to share important materials with the very first.
And for today I say goodbye.
In this article we will touch on the topic "Articles"- one of the most “unloved” topics of our students.
Many admit that, although they have gone through this topic many times, they continue to put articles at random and cannot systematize their knowledge in any way. The article THE is particularly difficult. Perhaps you have this problem too.
In preparing this article, we asked our students and subscribers to formulate questions related to the use of the article THE, which they find it difficult to answer on their own. I would like to note that the questions were very similar, so we have summarized them. And here are the questions that interest students:
- Which article should I choose: A or THE?
- How to determine whether the article THE is needed with plural and uncountable nouns?
If you are also not completely confident in the depth of your knowledge about the use of the definite article THE and your previous experience of studying “from a textbook” turned out to be useless, then this material will help you systematize your existing knowledge and, perhaps, learn something new.
Which article should I choose, A or THE?
Let's remember a little from the theory. A(an)- this, he points to an indefinite object, and emphasizes that there is only one object. THE- definite article (definite article), it is used when something is mentioned that is already known to the speakers.
Let's look at an example:
My father bought me a dog.
- Great! What color is the dog?
- The dog is black. And my mother bought me a book.
The first sentence uses article A, since the dog is mentioned for the first time and the interlocutor still knows nothing about it. Further used article THE, since it became clear to both speakers what kind of dog they were talking about. In the last sentence the word book also used with the indefinite article, since it is mentioned for the first time, the interlocutor has not yet determined what kind of book it is.
A few more examples:
Yesterday I got a letter. The letter was from my friend. - Yesterday I received a letter. The letter was from my friend.
I am reading a newspaper. I bought the newspaper from the newsagent. - I am reading a newspaper. I bought a newspaper from a periodical seller.
Remember the rule: If you have a singular countable noun in front of you, then use A if this item is mentioned for the first time or it is vague, unimportant. THE is used if the subject has already been mentioned before and is known to the interlocutors.
Sometimes, despite the fact that something is mentioned for the first time, we can understand from the context what is being said: when additional information about the subject is given, an explanation, or when it is clear from the situation itself. Let's look at examples with explanations:
I was at a party yesterday. - I was at a party yesterday.
(Referring to some kind of party that we don’t know anything about yet)
I was at theparty organized by my friend. - I was at a party organized by my friend.
(We understand what kind of party we are talking about)
He saw a woman in the corridor. - He saw (some) woman in the corridor.
(No additional information is given about the woman)
He saw the woman who lived next door to him. - He saw a woman who lived next door.
(We understand what kind of woman this is)
He entered a door. - He came through the door.
(He entered one of the doors, we do not know which one).
He entered the door nearest to the stairs. - He entered the door closest to the stairs.
(Specify which door exactly)
In what cases is the article THE always used?
Remember a number of cases in which the article THE is always used:
- when something is mentioned that exists in one copy, something unique of its kind: the sun, the moon, the world, the earth, the capital, the ground, the environment, the universe
- with names of groups of people expressed by adjectives: the elderly, the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the unemployed, the disabled and others
- with names that end in -ese And -sh (-ch): the British, the Scottish, the Spanish, the Chinese, the Japanese. With other nationalities, the article THE may not be used: (the) Russians, (the) Americans
- in combinations related to space: the end, the beginning, the middle, the center
- in combinations related to time: in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening; the next, the last, the present, the future, the past
- with names of titles and positions: the King, the president, the Prime Minister, the Queen
- with and superlative adverbs: the best, the worst, the fastest, the most interesting, the most beautiful
- s, including dates: the first (of May), the third (of November), the twentieth, the thirty-first
- in combinations like: THE something OF: the legs of the table, the topic of our lesson
- with names of musical instruments: the guitar, the piano, the cello
- with the word same: the same
- in many set phrases and idiomatic expressions.
When is THE used with place nouns?
Nouns denoting various places (not to be confused with place names!) can be used with or without the article THE. The use of the article directly depends on the context in which the noun is mentioned.
Let's look at an example. If someone is sick, he is in the hospital:
He is at hospital.
When we say this, we do not mean a specific hospital, but we are talking about the hospital in general, as an institution where patients are treated.
If a friend of our patient decided to visit him and came to the hospital, then about him we need to say:
He is at the hospital.
He is not sick and should not be in the hospital (in the general sense of the word), he came to a certain hospital (the one where his friend is lying), which is why the article THE appears.
One more example:
My little sister goes to school. Today it is a school concert so all our family will go to the school.
Children generally go to school to learn, so when talking about students, the article is not used. Other family members are not students. They will go to a certain school where their child studies to watch a concert, respectively, before the word school Let's put an article.
The same miracles happen with the words prison, church, university.
Remember the rule: if you mean some place All in all(its intended purpose is emphasized), article THE not used. When it means specific establishment or building, article THE used.
As for other nouns denoting places, THE is most often used with them: the beach, the station, the coast, the seaside, the city, the countryside.
With cinema and theater, the article THE is used even when the speaker does not mean a specific place:
We go to the cinema every weekend.
They have never been to the theater.
Why is the article used with these words? The explanation is that when we use them, it is clear from the context what we mean, and the interlocutor understands what we are talking about. Let's look at examples of situations where it is clear from the situation itself what place we are talking about:
1. When, being in a room or apartment, we talk about its parts:
Switch on the light! - Turn on the lights! (In this room, in the room where you are)
I closed the door and opened the window. - I closed the door and opened the window. (In the room where I was at that moment, in my room)
The floor was clean. - The floor was clean. (The floor in the room I was in.)
2. When we talk about city buildings, if it is clear which city we are talking about:
Where is the railway station? - Where is the railway station? (The station of this city. If there are several stations in the city, you will have to clarify which one you need. If you are located near the station, then the interlocutor will understand that you are asking about the nearest station)
The city hall is very old. - The city hall building is very old. (There is only one city hall in the city, so your interlocutor will understand what we are talking about)
The market was crowded in the morning. - The market was crowded in the morning. (The market of this city; the nearest market; the market where the speaker goes)
3. When mentioning organizations that provide services, if it is clear from the context what exactly the speaker means:
I need to go to the bank tomorrow. - I need to go to the bank tomorrow. (The bank where I have an account; the nearest bank; the bank whose services I use)
Tom went to the post office to send a letter. - Tom went to the post office to send a letter. (This refers to the nearest post office; the only one in a given city)
You should go to the doctor. - You should go to the doctor. (To your doctor)
She is seeing the dentist on Friday. She is going to see the dentist on Friday. (To your dentist).
Be careful, in some situations, of course, article A can be used. Most often, when a speaker means: “any”, “one of many”, “no matter which”, “any”:
How to determine whether the article THE is needed with uncountable nouns and plural nouns?
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In English - unlike Russian - special words - articles - are widely used. The article and the rules for its use in English are presented below in examples to facilitate the perception of the necessary material. In English there are two articles: the definite the and uncertain a (an) . The article is generally placed only before nouns. The indefinite article applies exclusively to singular countable nouns, but the definite article can be applied to various singular and plural nouns, whether they are countable or not.
First, let's remember in what cases the article is not used. The article is not used if the noun is preceded by (one, two, six, etc), a possessive or (this, that, my, our etc.), another noun in the possessive case (my father's, Mary's etc.), or the negation “no” (Not not!). Examples:
- My room is not big, but comfortable - My room is small but comfortable.
- There are two boys in the yard - there are two boys in the yard.
- I have no brother - I don’t have a brother.
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Note: if a noun in the possessive case functions as an adjective, the use of an article is possible, for example: Paul is a man's name(male name). Paula is a woman's name(female name). It's a children's bicycle(children bicycle).
The article is not used with uncountable nouns denoting an indefinite amount of substance or an abstract concept:
- I don’t like tea, I prefer coffee. — I don’t like tea, I prefer coffee ( Tea coffee- at all)
- Friendship is one of the most important things in my life. — Friendship is one of the most important things in my life (friendship is an abstract concept)
The article is not used with names of sports:
- I am fond of football, and my sister prefers badminton. — I love football, and my sister prefers badminton.
Also, the article is not used with proper names (except for some geographical names, which will be discussed below).
Indefinite article "a"
The indefinite article is “a” / “an” - this is not an independent article, but a form of the indefinite that is used before nouns that begin with a vowel sound: an apple, an orange.
- The forms a and an are remnants of the Old English word for "one", so The indefinite article is used only with singular nouns.
The indefinite article is used in the following cases:
- When the item is mentioned for the first time. For example, I live in a house.
- When designating a profession or occupation. For example, She is a teacher. My friend is a student.
- After: This is, That is, It is, There is. For example, This is a computer. There is a rose in the vase.
- If an adjective characterizing it is used with a noun, in such cases the article is placed before the adjective. Example: This is a flower. This is a red flower.
- Remember the use of the indefinite article in sentences of the following type
- What a beautiful color!
- What a tasty cake!
- What a good girl!
The definite article "the"
The definite article is used in the following cases:
- If we are talking about a specific subject that we have already talked about, or we understand from the context what we are talking about. For example, Yesterday I saw a film. The film was not interesting.
- With items that are one of a kind - Thesun, thewind, themoontheearth
- After . For example, There is a cat in front of the monitor.
- C – the smallest – the smallest, the quickest – the fastest
- C, for example: the first book, the fifth floor (BUT: if the ordinal number indicates a number, the article is not used: Lesson 7, Bus 15, page 45)
- With cardinal directions: In the north; in the south; in the east; in the west
- With the surname - if we are talking about the whole family - the Ivanovs - Ivanovs, the Smiths - Smiths
- In stable phrases: In the morning; in the evening; in the afternoon; to the cinema/theatre; to the shop/market; at the cinema/the theater; at the shop/the market
Definite article with geographical names
The definite article must be used with the following geographical names:
- seas - the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea
- oceans - the Pacific ocean
- rivers - the Voilga, the Nile
- channels – the English Channel
- bays, straits - the Gulf of Mexico, the Bosphorus Straits
- archipelagos - the Seichelles
- deserts - the Sahara, the Gobi
- mountain ranges - the Alps
- countries, if the name contains the word Republic, Federation, Kingdom, it is in the plural (t he Netherlands) or abbreviated as (the USA, the UK)
The article is not used with the names of countries, lakes, mountains (peaks), islands, cities, continents, streets, squares, airports. Exceptions:
- theGambia— Gambia,
- the Hague - The Hague
The definite article is also used with the names of hotels, cinemas, theaters, newspapers and magazines.
We have reflected the basic rules for using the article. There are many nuances, and the scope of one article does not allow mentioning everything. But we have prepared another video lesson about some difficult cases of using the article:
We hope that the above will help you understand articles in English and use them correctly in your speech, but do not forget that repetition is the mother of learning, do not be lazy to revise the rules as often as possible.
Today we will talk about the rules for using articles in English. There is no such concept in Russian grammar, so this topic is considered one of the most difficult. But in our article we will try to clarify everything. Using clear examples, we will show when the definite article the is used, and in which cases the indefinite article a/an or the zero article is used.
General rules for using articles in English
Why do we need an article in English at all? Its main function is to indicate the definiteness or uncertainty of a noun. Therefore, there are two articles in English - the indefinite article a/an (indefinite article) and the definite article the (definite article). There is also such a thing as a zero article.
The choice of one of the articles is inextricably linked with:
- Indefinite article a/an is used with singular countable nouns.
- Definite article the can be used with countable nouns (regardless of their number) and with uncountable nouns.
- Zero article used with uncountable nouns or with plural countable nouns.
I heard a story(singular countable noun). - I heard history.
It is good advice(uncountable noun). - This one good advice.
I liked the films(plural countable noun). - I liked movies.
Students often make three common mistakes when choosing an article:
- Use the indefinite article a/an with plural countable nouns:
I'd like to buy a books. - I would like to buy books.
- Use the indefinite article a/an with uncountable nouns:
I love a modern furniture. - I love modern furniture.
- Use singular countable nouns without articles:
You should visit doctor a doctor. - You should go to doctor.
Give this toy to dog the dog. - Give me this toy dog.
If a noun is used with an adjective, then the article is placed before the adjective.
It is a hot day. - Today hot day.
It is the hottest day of this week. - This hottest day for this week.
We do not use the articles a, an or the if the noun already has:
- (my - mine, his - his);
- (this - this, that - that);
- numeral (one - one, two - two).
This is my house. - This my house.
I have one sister. - I have one sister.
The main principle of choosing an article in English: we use the indefinite article a/an when we are not talking about a specific object, person or phenomenon, but about one of many. If we are talking about something or someone specific, we use the definite article the.
Articles are not translated into Russian, but if you try to translate according to their meaning, the indefinite article means “one”, the definite article means “this”, “that”.
I need a purse. - I need handbag. (just one handbag)
I need the purse I took yesterday. - I need handbag which I took yesterday. (that same, specific handbag)
| A/An | The |
|---|---|
| I had an orange for lunch. - For lunch I ate orange. (just one orange) | The orange was delicious. - Orange was delicious. (the same orange I ate for lunch) |
| My parents bought a car. - My parents bought car. (just one car, we don’t know which one) | The car is incredible. - Car amazing. (the same car that my parents bought) |
| Would you like to watch a film? - Do you wanna take a look movie? (we don’t know what movie yet) | Sure, let's watch the film that has been released this week. - Of course, let's see movie, which came out this week. (specific movie) |
Watch two video clips: the first is about any film, and the other is about a specific one:
To make it easier for you to remember the general rules for using articles in English, we suggest keeping our author’s diagram for yourself.
The indefinite article a/an in English
The choice of the indefinite article a or the indefinite article an depends on the sound with which the word following the article begins.
We put the article a, if the word begins with a consonant: a f ilm /ə fɪlm/ (film), a c ake /ə keɪk/ (pie), a p lace /ə pleɪs/ (place).
We put the article an, if the word begins with a vowel sound: an a rm /ən ɑːm/ (hand), an e gg /ən eɡ/ (egg), an i nteresting /ən ˈɪntrəstɪŋ/ book (interesting book).
note:
The words house (house) and hour (hour) begin with the letter h. In the word house /haʊs/ the first sound is a consonant, which means we put the article a - a house in front of it, and in the word hour /ˈaʊə(r)/ the first sound is a vowel, which means we choose the article an - an hour.
The words university (university) and umbrella (umbrella) begin with the letter u. In the word university /juːnɪˈvɜː(r)səti/ the first sound is a consonant, which means we need the article a - a university, and in the word umbrella /ʌmˈbrelə/ the first sound is a vowel, which means we use the article an - an umbrella.
In addition to the general rules, there are also special cases of using the indefinite article a/an:
- When we classify someone or something, that is, we indicate which group, type, genus this someone or something belongs to.
She's a nurse. - She works nurse.
Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink. - “Coca-Cola” - non-alcoholic carbonated drink. - To indicate singularity when expressing measures of time, distance, weight, quantity, periodicity.
Lemonade costs 2 dollars a liter. - Lemonade costs two dollars per ( one) liter.
I drive at 50 kilometers an hour. - I drive at a speed of 50 kilometers in ( one) hour.
I want a hundred roses. - Want one hundred (one hundred) roses
You will find more information on this topic in the article “The indefinite article in English".
The definite article the in English
In the general rules, we described the main cases of using the article the; now we will consider many special cases:
- The definite article the is used with one-of-a-kind, exceptional objects: the sun (sun), the environment (environment), the internet (Internet).
An adjective will help make objects unique: the tallest building (the tallest building), the best singer (the best singer), the most expensive car (the most expensive car).
And thanks to the words only, same, first, objects also become unique: the same exam, the only person, the first time.
Yuri Gagarin was the first person in space. - Yuri Gagarin was first person in space.
- To describe or indicate a group of objects, a certain class as a whole, use the construction “the + singular countable noun.”
The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world. - Cheetahs- the fastest animals in the world. (we are not talking about one cheetah, but about a species of animal)
I play the piano. - I play on piano.
I consider the telephone to be the most important invention. - I believe that telephone- this is the most important invention. - Also, when talking about a group of people, use the construction “the + adjective”. Please note that the verb in this case will be plural.
For example: the young (youth), the poor (poor), the homeless (homeless).
The young always argue with their parents. - The youth always argues with his parents.
The same construction is used with adjectives that end in -ch, -sh, -ese, if all representatives of a nation are meant.
For example: the French (French), the English (English), the Chinese (Chinese).
The French are charming. - French people adorable.
The Vietnamese are very hard-working. - Vietnamese very hardworking. - When referring to all family members as a group of people, use the definite article the and the plural surname: the Joneses.
- The definite article the is often used with names:
- buildings (hotels, cinemas, theaters, museums, galleries, restaurants, pubs) - the Plaza hotel, the Odeon, the Kremlin, the Red Lion pub a lion");
- newspapers (the article is part of the name and is written with a capital letter) - The Times (Times newspaper), The Guardian (Guardian newspaper);
- sporting events - the FIFA World Cup (World Cup);
- historical periods and events - the Bronze Age (Bronze Age), the Vietnam War (Vietnam War);
- famous ships and trains - the Mayflower (ship "Mayflower");
- organizations, political parties, institutions - the Red Cross, the Democratic Party;
- with those names in which there is a preposition of - the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Leaning Tower of Pisa), the University of Cambridge (Cambridge University)
- The definite article the is also used with some geographical names:
- with countries that contain the words states (states), kingdom (kingdom), federation (federation), republic (republic), emirates (emirates) in their names - the United States of America (United States of America), the United Kingdom (Great Britain) , the Dominican Republic (Dominican Republic), the Russian Federation (Russian Federation);
- with the names of rivers, seas, canals, oceans, deserts, groups of islands, chains of mountains: the Amazon, the Maldives, the Black Sea, the Sahara, the Panama Canal ).
- With the words theater (theatre), cinema (cinema), radio (radio), when we talk about pastime.
I often go to the cinema with my friends. - I often go to movie with friends.
Zero article in English
In English there are nouns with which the article is not used; such an article is called zero.
The article is not used in the following cases:
- With uncountable nouns that denote food, substances, liquids, gases and abstract concepts.
I don't eat rice. - I do not eat rice.
- With plural countable nouns, we talk about something in general.
Wolves are predators. - Wolves- predators. (all wolves)
- With names and surnames of people.
James likes golf. - James loves golf.
- With titles, ranks and forms of address, followed by the name - Queen Victoria (Queen Victoria), Mr Smith (Mr. Smith).
- With the names of continents, countries, cities, streets, squares, bridges, parks, isolated mountains, individual islands, lakes.
He went to Australia. - He went to Australia.
- With names of pubs, restaurants, shops, banks and hotels that have a last name or first name that ends in -s or -"s - McDonald's, Harrods.
- With the names of sports, games, days of the week, months, meals, with the word TV (television).
Let's meet on Thursday and watch TV. - Let's meet at Thursday and we'll see TV.
I don't play football in February. - I don't play football V February. - With the words church (church), college (college), court (court), hospital (hospital), prison (prison), school (school), university (university), when we talk about them in general as public institutions. However, if we mean a building, we use the definite article the or the indefinite article a/an depending on the context.
Noah is at school. - Noah in school. (He's a student)
His mother is at the school on a parents’ meeting. - His mother is in school at the parent meeting. (she came to a certain school building) - In some fixed expressions, for example:
- go to bed / be in bed;
- go to work / be at work / start work / finish work;
- go home / come home / arrive home / get home / be at home;
- go to sea / be at sea.
My husband is a night-watchman, so he goes to work when I go home. - My husband is a night watchman, that's why he he's going to work, when I I am going home.
Did you go to sea while I was in bed? - You went to the sea, while I was in bed? - When describing a method of transportation with the preposition by: by bus (by bus), by car (by car), by plane (by plane), by foot (on foot).
Finally, we suggest you take our test to consolidate new material.
Test for the use of articles in English
If you think that the meaning of speech will be clear without using articles in English, you are right. They will understand you, but for native speakers it will sound about the same as for us the speech of foreigners without genders and cases: “I want water,” “My car is fast.” If you want to speak English fluently and fluently, we recommend that you save this article.
Please note that we have given the basic rules for using articles in English. In addition to them, there are many more nuances, exceptions and special cases that students with a level and above study.
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