Definition:

An article is not a word that combines with a noun to indicate the type of reference being made by the noun. Articles specify the grammatical definiteness of the noun, in some languages extending to volume or numerical scope. The articles in the English language are the, a, and an.

In this post, we’re going to discuss this question; “where should we use articles & where we shouldn’t use articles?”

A. The definite article “the” is most commonly used :

1. When there is only one of something, either in existence or in a particular context.

Ex: I’d like to speak to the manager, please.

2. When something is mentioned again.

Ex: ‘I’ve read three novels and two plays by Camus.’

‘What did you think of the plays?’

3. When both listener and speaker know what is being referred to.

Ex: Hurry up! The film starts in 10 minutes.

4. When talking about specific aspect of something, where the noun is followed by of.

Ex: We’re studying the history of architecture.

5. To speak generally about certain groups of singular countable nouns.

a. Inventions: The mobile phone is thought to pose a serious threat to health.

b. Animal species: The whale is steal hunted by some countries such as Japan.

6. With adjectives referring to general classes of people, e.g. the homeless, the blind,

• the deaf, the rich, the poor, the old, the young, the French, the Spanish.

Ex: Not enough is being done to help the homeless.

7. With superlatives.

Ex: Who is the greatest footballer in the world?

8. With musical instruments.

Ex: I’d love to play the piano.

9. With types of transport which have a fixed timetable.

Ex: Shall we get the bus or take a taxi?

10. With some countries.

Ex: the USA, the UK

11. With oceans, mountain ranges, deserts, rivers, etc.

Ex: the Atlantic, the Pyrenees, the Sahara, the Thames

12. With some geographical areas.

Ex: We’re going to the mountains rather than the coast.

B. The indefinite article “a / an” is most commonly used :

1. When a singular countable noun is mentioned for the first time.

Ex: A man went into a bar with a fish.

2. When referring to any one of several things.

Ex: It’s quite in here. Shall I put a record on?

3. When talking about a person’s job.

Ex: My father is a nuclear scientist.

4. Whit some numbers.

Ex: a thousands people, a million pounds

5. When it means ‘per’ in some expressions.

Ex: twice a day, 50 miles an hour, $80 a week.

C. No article is used :

1. When referring to nouns in a general sense.

• a. plural countable nouns

Ex: Do you think computers will replace teachers?

• b. Abstract nouns

Ex: We sang songs of love and peace.

• c. Other uncountable nouns

Ex: Alan won’t eat cheese or meat.

2. With most streets, towns, cities, and countries.

Ex: I went to Bond street when I was in London.

3. When a town’s name is used with a building.

Ex: luton Airport, Oxford University

4. In many common expressions.

Ex: to go home, to go on holiday, to be at work, to go by car, to be in hospital, at night, to have breakfast …

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