A the or no article usage. Rules for the use of definite and indefinite articles

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Indefinite article a/an in English (the indefinite article) has two forms:

a[ə] - used before consonants. That is, if the word begins with a consonant sound, it is used a:

a b ok, a t able, a m an, a g irl, a c computer, a t omato, a yacht [ jɒt], a unit[ ˈj uːnɪt]

an[ən] - used before vowels. That is, if the word begins with a vowel sound, it is used an:

an a pple, an e ngineer, an i dea, an o range, an a nswer, an hour [ˈ aʊə(r)]

Please note that the choice of the form of the indefinite article is determined not by spelling, but by pronunciation.

For example, the word hour starts with a vowel, so we use the article an (an hour), although the first letter is a consonant h. Or, for example, the word yacht (yacht) spelled with a vowel y, but the consonant sound [j] is pronounced, so we choose a (a yacht). The use of different forms of the same article helps to make speech harmonious, light, natural. Try to pronounce a apple or an book and you will feel how difficult and uncomfortable it is.

Remember:

Indefinite article a/an used only with in the singular:

a pen(a pen), a story(story), a chair(chair), a child(child), a flower(flower)

If the noun is used in the form plural, then the indefinite article is missing. The absence of an article before a noun is commonly referred to as the "zero article".

pens(pens), stories(stories), chairs(chairs), children(children), flowers(flowers)

When the indefinite article a / an is used

Below you will find a description of the main uses of the indefinite article. a/an in English.

№1

Indefinite article a/an used when we first mention an object or person. In this case, we assume that our interlocutor does not know what or who we are talking about.

Yesterday I bought a handbag. — I bought a bag yesterday.
Up until this point, I hadn't even said that I was going to buy a bag. That is, I mention this for the first time (my interlocutor does not know anything about this bag), hence the indefinite article a/an.

If you continue to talk about this bag, then the noun handbag (bag) will already be used with the definite article the, since this time the interlocutor knows which particular bag we are talking about:

Yesterday I bought a handbag. The handbag is very beautiful. — I bought a bag yesterday. The handbag is very beautiful.

Although most often a personal pronoun is used instead of a noun, it sounds more natural and avoids repetition:

Yesterday I bought a handbag. It is very beautiful. — I bought a bag yesterday. She is very beautiful.

№2

Indefinite article a/an is used when we are not talking about a given (specific) object or person, but simply about any, about some, about one of a group of the same objects or people. In other words, when we talk about an object or a person in general, not meaning a specific skirt, work, handle or dog:

I want to buy a skirt. — I want to buy a skirt. (some kind of skirt, I don’t know which one yet; I only know that I want a skirt, not a dress)
He refused to look for a job. He refused to look for a job. (any job)
give me a pen, please. - Give me a pen, please. (any, any)
It is a dog. - This is a dog. (some dog, any dog)

When we are not talking about a certain object or person, but about any, then further, if we need to re-designate it, we do not use personal pronouns or the definite article the. Again, we use the indefinite article a/an or pronoun one.

She wants a car but he says they don't need one. She wants a car, but he says they don't need it.
or
She wants a car but he says they don't need a car. She wants a car, but he says they don't need a car.
She wants to have a car (not a motorcycle, not a bicycle, but some kind of car, so a car), but he says that they do not need a car (they do not need any car at all, and not some specific one). Since in the second part of the sentence we are again talking about any / indefinite machine, we again use a car.

№3

Indefinite article a/an we also use to describe or give some information about what has already been mentioned before. In this case, an adjective is often used before the noun. Note that although the article comes before the adjective, it refers to the noun:

It is a beautiful place. - It beautiful place. (describe what this place is)
He is a clever boy. - He is a smart boy. (characterize what kind of boy he is)
Do you live in a big house? — Do you live in a big house? (we ask which house)

When we talk about a person's profession or work, we also use the indefinite article a/an:

She is a teacher. - She is a teacher.
I am a doctor. - I am a doctor.

№4

Historically indefinite article a/an derived from the numeral one (one). Hence the possibility in some cases to replace the article a/an numeral one. Such a substitution is possible when the article a/an essentially means "one". For example, this meaning of the indefinite article is observed in numerals a hundred (one hundred), a thousand (thousand), a million (million) and in the word a dozen (dozen) when they are used alone or before a noun:

This toy costs a thousand rubbles. = This toy costs one thousan d rubbles. This toy costs a thousand rubles (one thousand rubles).
give me a dozen, please. = Give me one dozen, please. - Give me a dozen, please (one dozen).

It is with the origin of the numeral one (one) and the meaning of the singularity of the indefinite article is connected, which is especially evident when expressing measures of time, distance, weight or quantity:

This chocolate bar costs a dollar. This bar of chocolate costs a dollar. (=one dollar, we can replace a dollar on the one dollar)
I'll call you in an hour. - I'll call you in an hour. (=in one hour, we can replace an hour on the one hour)
Can I have a kilo of tomatoes, please? — Can I have a kilo of tomatoes, please? (=one kilogram, we can replace a kilo on the one kilo)

Please note that the numeral one instead of the article a/an should be used only if you want to emphasize that it is about one object or person, that is, when you want to be very precise:

I have got one sister. - I have one sister. (not two sisters, not three, but only one)
I have got a sister. - I have a sister. (in this case, I'm just reporting that I have a sister)

The meaning of the singularity of the indefinite article can be seen in some stable phrases that convey the one-time action:

have a look- take a look
have a snack- have a snack
have a try- try, try
have a rest- relax
have a good time- have a good time
give a chance- give a chance
give a hint- hint
give a lift- give a ride
make a mistake- make a mistake
play a trick- play a trick

№5

Indefinite article a/an also used when it is necessary to indicate the quantity per unit of measure. For example, when we talk about the price of oranges per kilogram, the amount of wages per month, the number of classes per week, or the speed of a car per hour. The noun denoting this very one unit of measurement will be used with the indefinite article.

The oranges were 80 rubles a kilo. - Oranges cost 80 rubles per kilogram.
She works 8 hours a day. She works 8 hours a day.
I go to aerobics twice a week. — I go to aerobics twice a week.

№6

Indefinite article a/an can also be used with some uncountable abstract nouns (for example, humor - humor, hatred - hatred, anger - anger, magic - magic) when they carry an adjective. Usually such use of the indefinite article is characteristic of the book style and expresses the author's desire to emphasize the individual, special character of this or that abstract concept.

Note that in the case described above, the use of the indefinite article is optional. If you do not want to emphasize in a certain way the special character of any emotion, character trait, etc., the article a/an may not be used.

On a note

To learn how to use the indefinite article a/an more or less automatically, try forming this rule in your head: use the indefinite article with singular countable nouns when there is no other reason to use the definite article the or some other determiner (possessive or indefinite pronoun).

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 understandable examples, we will show when the definite article the is put, and in what cases - the indefinite article a / an or the zero article.

General rules for the use of articles in English

Why do we need an article in English? Its main function is to indicate the definiteness or indefiniteness 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 zero article (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 plural countable nouns.

I heard a story(a countable noun in the singular). - I've heard history.
It is good advice(uncountable noun). - This one good advice.
I liked the films(countable noun in plural). - I liked movies.

Students often admit three typical mistakes when choosing an article:

1. Use the indefinite article a/an with plural countable nouns:

   I'd like to buy a books. - I would like to buy books.

2. Use the indefinite article a/an with uncountable nouns:

   I love a modern furniture. - I love modern furniture.

3. Use countable nouns in the singular without an article:

   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 we put the article before the adjective.

It is a hot day. - Today hot day.
It is the hottest day of this week. - It hottest day for this week.

We do not use the articles a, an, or the if the noun is already preceded by:

• (my - mine, his - his);
• (this - this, that - that);
• numeral (one - one, two - two).

This is my house. - It my house.
I have one sister. - I have one sister.

The main principle of choosing the article in English: we put the indefinite article a / an when we are not talking about a particular 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 the meaning, then the indefinite article means “one”, the definite one means “this”, “that”.

I need a pure. - I need handbag. (one bag)
I need the pure I took yesterday. - I need handbag which I took yesterday. (the same, specific handbag)

A/An	The
I had an orange for lunch. - I ate for lunch. orange. (some one orange)	The orange was delicious. - Orange was delicious. (the same orange that I ate for lunch)
My parents bought a car. - My parents bought car. (any 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? - Would you like to have a look movie? (don't know which movie yet)	Sure, let's watch the film has been released this week. - Sure, let's see. movie which came out this week. (specific movie)

Watch two video clips: the first is about any movie, and the second is about a specific one:

To make it easier for you to remember the general rules for using articles in English, we suggest that you keep our author's scheme 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.

Put the article a if the word starts with a consonant: a f ilm /ə fɪlm/ (film), a c ake /ə keɪk/ (pie), a p lace /ə pleɪs/ (place).

Put the article an if the word starts with a vowel: an a rm /ən ɑːm/ (hand), an e gg /ən eɡ/ (egg), an i nteresting /ən ˈɪntrəstɪŋ/ book (an 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, so we put the article a - a house before 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.

Apart from general rules there are special cases of using the indefinite article a / an:

1. When we classify someone or something, that is, we indicate to which group, type, genus this someone or something belongs.

   She's a nurse. - She works nurse.
   Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink. - "Coca-Cola" - non-alcoholic carbonated drink.

2. To indicate singularity when expressing measures of time, distance, weight, quantity, periodicity.

   Lemonade costs $2 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 told the main cases of using the article the, now we will consider many special cases:

1. The definite article the is used with one-of-a-kind, exceptional objects: the sun (sun), the environment (environment), the internet (Internet).

   The adjective will help to 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 (the only one), same (the same), first (the first) objects also become unique: the same exam (the same exam), the only person (the only person), the first time (the first time).

   Yuri Gagarin was the first person in space. - Yuri Gagarin was first person in space.

2. To describe or refer to a group of objects, a certain class as a whole, use the construction “the + countable noun in the singular”.

   The Cheetah is the fastest animal in the world. - Cheetahs are the fastest animals in the world. (we are not talking about one cheetah, but about an animal species)
   I play the piano. - I play piano.
   I consider the telephone to be the most important invention. - I think that telephone is the most important invention.

3. Also, when talking about a group of people, use the construction "the + adjective". 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. - Youth always arguing 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 industrious.

4. When referring to all family members as a group of people, use the definite article the and the plural surname: the Joneses.
5. Often the definite article the is used with names:
   • buildings (hotels, cinemas, theaters, museums, galleries, restaurants, pubs) - the Plaza hotel (Plaza hotel), the Odeon (Odeon restaurant), the Kremlin (Kremlin), the Red Lion pub (Red a lion");
   • newspapers (the article is part of the name and is capitalized) - The Times (The Times newspaper), The Guardian (The Guardian newspaper);
   • sporting events - the FIFA World Cup (world football championship);
   • historical periods and events - the Bronze Age (Bronze Age), the Vietnam War (Vietnam War);
   • famous ships and trains - the Mayflower ("Mayflower" ship);
   • organizations, political parties, institutions - the Red Cross (Red Cross), the Democratic Party (Democratic Party);
   • with those names that have the preposition of - the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Leaning Tower of Pisa), the University of Cambridge (Cambridge University)
6. 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 the name - the United States of America (United States of America), the United Kingdom (UK) , 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 (Amazon), the Maldives (Maldives), the Black Sea (Black Sea), the Sahara (Sahara), the Panama Canal (Panama Canal) ).
7. With the words theater (theater), 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:

1. With uncountable nouns that denote food, substances, liquids, gases and abstract concepts.

   I don't eat rice. - I do not eat rice.

2. With plural countable nouns when we are talking about something in general.

   Wolves are predators. - Wolves- predators. (all wolves)

3. With names, surnames of people.

   James like golf. - James loves golf.

4. With titles, ranks and forms of address, followed by the name - Queen Victoria (Queen Victoria), Mr Smith (Mr. Smith).
5. With the names of continents, countries, cities, streets, squares, bridges, parks, isolated mountains, individual islands, lakes.

   He went to Australia. - He went to Australia.

6. With the 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.
7. 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 see television.
   I don't play football in February. - I don't play football in february.

8. 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 in school at the parent meeting. (she came to a certain school building)

9. 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, so 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 sea, while I was in bed?

10. When describing a mode of transportation with the preposition by: by bus (by bus), by car (by car), by plane (by plane), by foot (on foot).

Finally, we offer to pass our test to consolidate the new material.

Test for the use of articles in English

If it seems to you that the meaning of speech will be clear even without the use of articles in English, you are right. You will be understood, 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 for yourself.

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.

Articles in English indicate the definiteness or indefiniteness of a noun, in other words, it gives us an idea of ​​what subject/concept is being discussed: 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

English has only two articles: a (an) and the - the first is used with indefinite nouns, and the second with definite ones. In order to better understand where and what 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, before which the article will stand.

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

The indefinite article has two features:

• used only when talking about an abstract concept or about 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 broad concept. For example, a cup will mean some (any) piece of dishware in the form of a cup, and not your favorite cup in the form of a stormtrooper head, from which you have been drinking coffee in the morning for the second year already. 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 need the definite article the. It comes from the pronoun that (that) and is used in cases where it is known exactly which object is being discussed.

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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 first meet a stranger, in which 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 ceased to be unknown, which makes it possible 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, we can consider another example - the trilogy The Lord of the Rings ("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 single ruler (Sauron) and about the only rings created by him. If the concept of "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 the articles of the English language 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.);
• before the noun are 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 it is considered in the form of a systematic table. We have prepared such a table for your convenience.

Indefinite article a/an	The definite article the	No article
This is one item out of many. an apple - (some) apple a cow - (some) cow	It is known exactly which object is being referred to. 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 object in the world the Earth	The noun is 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 geographical 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 with common nouns (as well as their abbreviations) The Russian Federation (The RF) The United States of America (The USA) The United Kingdom (The UK) The United Arab Emirates (The UAE) United Arab Emirates(UAE)	Before the names of countries, peninsulas Canada Spain Kamchatka - Kamchatka (peninsula)
	Before the geographical names of countries in the plural The Netherlands The Philippines - Philippines	If the name of the lake is preceded by the word 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 The Atlantic Ocean - Atlantic Ocean	It's an uncountable concept. information knowledge - knowledge
	Designation of cardinal points the east - East the qest - West

Understanding when and how to use articles is easy enough. But in order to remember these rules and not to think every time before pronouncing or writing the next noun, practice is definitely needed.

Articles cause a lot of difficulties, and not only because there is no analogue in Russian and nothing to compare with. But because despite its certain meaning, there are a lot of cases of use and exceptions to them. So, what is the point of the definite article the?

The definite article also defines a noun, indicating its specificity. Its roots grow from the demonstrative pronoun that, which, like the article the, points to something specific, precise, definite. Form one, pronunciation two.

Small features of the use of the article the

As with the indefinite, it all depends on the subsequent noun. So, if there is a consonant at the beginning of a word, then the is pronounced like [ðƏ], and if it is a vowel or mute h, then -[ði]. Very often, the definite article in English is replaced by possessive pronouns, if it is important to indicate to whom this or that object, person, etc. belongs. In some cases, it is replaced by its progenitors - demonstrative pronouns - this, that, these, those. Sometimes, even if the sentence is written the, then in Russian it sounds like “this, that, those”.

The day was very interesting and full of emotions. — The day was very interesting and full of emotions.

My day was very interesting and full of emotions. — My day was very interesting and full of emotions.

When is the article the used?

Almost any noun in English must be followed. The use of the article the has a number of cases that need to be remembered.

1. If the subject one of a kind (the earth, the sky, the sun , the Taj Mahal) and there are no more analogues, then we put the. The same is true with the subject the only one in the environment . For example, sitting in a room, you ask to close the door, the one that is there.

Look at the moon! It is shining brightly. - Look at the moon. She shines bright.

Close the door, please. - Close the door, please.

2. With nouns, in the function of circumstance (where something is located: in a garden, in a city, meaning a specific garden or city), the definite article is also used. By using the article the, you specify.

It was very dark in the room. — The room was very dark.

They are working in the field. — They work in the garden.

3. With nouns, denoting a certain amount, in a certain place.

The snow is dirty. - The snow is dirty (just in some place, because in general it is clean, white)

Give me the water, please. - Give me some water, please. (Not all water, but a certain amount, for example, to drink)

4. If the offer contains "Appendix", giving Additional information about the face, and if the character's fame is emphasized, then put the.

Pushkin, the famous Russian poet, was killed. Pushkin, the famous Russian poet, was killed.

5. After the words one of, some of, many of, each of, most of, both, all.

All the newspapers were sold out. All newspapers were sold out.

Show me one of the dresses. Show me one of the dresses.

Each of the women have children. Every woman has children.

6. Before superlative adjectives, before words the same, the following, the next (meaning next in order), the last (last) , before ordinal numbers.

It is the most interesting article I have ever read. — This is the most interesting article I have ever read.

The last week was very tiring. “The last week has been very exhausting.

She took the next ticket. She took the next ticket.

7. Before substantiated adjectives, participles, before the word people in the meaning of the people.

The rich have a happy life. The rich have a happy life.

The Soviet people won the war. The Soviet people won the war.

8. Before words denoting social classes of people.

The workers have a small salary. The workers have low wages.

9. Usually, the article is not used before proper names. But there are exceptions that we will consider. For example, before names denoting the whole family as a whole.

The Makarny have a big house. — The Macarnis (the Macarnis) have a big house.

10. Before titles some countries, where there are the words republic, kingdom, states, union, federation, before the names that are in the plural: the Netherlands, The Philippines, the Baltic States.

The Czech Republic is situated in the center of Europe. — The Czech Republic is located in the center of Europe.

She has just come from the United States of America. She has just arrived from the United States of America.

11. Before titles rivers, seas, oceans, straits, canals, currents, lakes (if the composition does not contain the word lake).

The Pacific Ocean is the greatest ocean in the world. — The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world.

The Baikal is in Siberia. — Baikal in Siberia. (But: Lake Baikal)

12. Before titles deserts, mountain ranges, island groups (in the only - without).

We are going to climb the Alps. We are going to climb the Alps.

When I was traveling around the world I was in the Sahara. — when I traveled the world, I was in the Sahara.

13. Before the names of the four cardinal points: the south, the north, the east, the west, poles, regions, ships.

He has lived in the west since 1967. - He has lived in the west since 1967.

My parents went on board the Star. My parents came on the steamer Star.

14. Before titles museums, cinemas, clubs, galleries, restaurants, monuments, names of English (American) newspapers (with the exception of "Today"), hotels.

I try to read the Morning Star every day. I try to read Morning Star every day.

I would like to put up in the National. — I would like to stay at the National Hotel.

Of course, remembering right away when the article the is put is quite difficult. It's all a matter of practice. But remember one truth: before common nouns, if something specific is indicated, you understand what subject is being discussed, then feel free to put the. And the use of proper names still have to learn.

The article is a functional 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 begin with a consonant sound is used in the form a[ə], for example: a desk [ə'desk], a book [ə'bʊk]; before words that begin with a vowel - 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 [еɪ].

Definite article the before words that begin with a consonant sound, it is pronounced as [ðə], for example: the table [ðə'teɪbl], the pen [ðə'pen]; before words that begin 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 u reads like [ʌ], then you need to put an(an uncle [ən'ʌŋkl]), but if both, then - a(a union [ə'ju:nɪon]).

Another example: if at the beginning of a word a 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 merge with the word following 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 is and what its type is, namely: is it common or proper, countable or uncountable, abstract or concrete.

In many cases, the use (or absence) of the article is regulated by grammatical rules, but in some cases it is traditional. Such cases must 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.’

The indefinite article is used:
1. When an object, creature or person is mentioned for the first time, for example: I see a boy (I see (some) boy).
2. 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 (there is)).
3. If turnover is used have something/ have got something, for example: I have (got) an orange (I have an orange).
4. If the profession, position, nationality and other characteristics of a person are called, for example: I am a teacher (I am a teacher); Her son is a pupil (Her son is a student).
5. When it is necessary to indicate that a given object (creature, person) belongs to a certain group (the property of a group is expressed by an adjective), for example: Do you know that town? Yes, it is a nice small town (Do you know this town? Yes, it's a nice little town). (In this case, it is not necessary that the subject be mentioned for the first time.)
6. 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 need not 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”, “exactly this”, “the same”).

The definite article is used:
1. 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 with 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).
2. If the object or objects belong to some special group, for example: The flowers in our garden are very beautiful (The flowers in our garden are very beautiful). (Here in our garden is a special group, so the word flowers is written with a definite article. In this case, the word may be mentioned for the first time, but the article will be definite.)
3. If the noun is preceded by an ordinal number, for example: The second lesson is English (The second lesson is English). (In this case, we are talking about the specific and the only one: there can be only one second lesson.)
4. If the noun is preceded by a superlative adjective, for example: Not is the best pupil in our school (He is the best student in our school). (In this case, we are talking about the specific and unique: there can be only one best student.)
5. 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 analogous to writing a word with capital letter In russian language.)
6. If we are talking about familiar furnishings and the world around us, for example: Where is my coat? It hangs at the door (Where is my coat? It hangs at the door). (It is not necessary to refer to a specific door - it simply refers to a familiar piece of furniture).
7. 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.

The article is missing in the following cases.
1. When an object (thing, creature, person) is mentioned for the first time in the plural, for example: I see boys in the street (I see (some) boys on the street).
2. If turnover is used there are with a plural noun, for example: There are apples in my pocket (I have apples in my pocket).
3. If turnover is used have something/ have got something, for example: I have (got) oranges in my fridge (I have oranges in the fridge).
4. If the profession, position, nationality and other characteristics of two or more people are called, for example: We are teachers (We are teachers); Her sons are pupils (Her sons are students).
5. When it is necessary 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 that the word be called for the first time.)
6. If an abstract noun is used in the most general sense, for example: Darkness is the absence of light (Darkness is the absence of light).
7. If the noun is preceded by possessive pronoun, for example: My house is yellow (My house is yellow).
8. If a noun is preceded by a negative no(not not!), for example: We have no bread on the table (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 these cases are analogous to the use of the indefinite article with singular countable nouns.

Use of the article with proper names

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

The definite article is used in the following special cases.
1. Names of rivers, seas, oceans, for example: the Mississippi - Mississippi (river); the Baltic Sea - the Baltic Sea; the Atlantic Ocean - the Atlantic Ocean.
2. The names of some states, for example: the Russian Federation - the Russian Federation; the Ukraine - Ukraine; the Brazil - Brazil; the USA - USA; the United Kingdom - United Kingdom.
3. Some other geographical names (with the article - according to tradition), for example: the Caucasus - the Caucasus; the Crimea - Crimea; the Hague - The Hague (a city in the Netherlands).
4. Names of mountains (mountain systems), for example: the Alps - Alps.
5. The names of the cardinal points: the North - north; the South - south; the East - east; the West - west.
6. Names of newspapers and magazines, for example: the Times - The Times.
7. Names of hotels, for example: the Savoy - "Savoy".
8. The name of the whole family (all family members) by last name, for example: the Krasnovs - Krasnovs (Krasnov family).

The following proper nouns are used without the article.
1. Names of continents, for example: America - America; Asia - Asia; Africa - Africa.
2. The names of most countries, for example: Russia - Russia; India - India; France - France; Great Britain - Great Britain.
3. City names, for example: London - London; Paris - Paris; Moscow - Moscow.
4. Names of streets and squares, for example: Green Street - Green Street; Red Square - Red Square.
5. The names of the months and days of the week, for example: I'll see you in September / on Sunday (See you in September / on Sunday).
6. Names and surnames, for example: Jack Black, Ivan Petrov.

Phrases with and without articles

Combinations without articles

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 dinner, 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 - ahead
play football / hockey - play football / hockey
to go / come home - go / come home

Combinations with the indefinite article

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 - 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 the definite article

go to the theater / cinema - go to the theater / cinema
in the country - outside the city, in the countryside
in the morning/afternoon/evening - in the 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
What is the time? - What time is it now?