Articles

There are two types of articles in English.  They are the definite and the indefinite articles.  

Definite Article

• THE
  

Indefinite Article                

• A/AN
  

In general, the definite article is used before specific nouns.
The indefinite article is used before non-specific nouns.

Example:      

• I need a pen.  (Any pen)
  
• I need the pen on the table.  (A specific pen)
• 
  

The Definite Article  (The)

 The definite article is used as follows: 

Specific Nouns

• The teacher is Canadian.  (A Specific teacher)
  

Nouns known by the speaker and listener

• The teacher is Canadian.                                               
  

(both the speaker and the listener know what teacher. Perhaps the teacher of their class.)

Plural Countable Nouns  

• The books are on the table.
  
• The boys like hockey.
  

Uncountable Nouns

• The water is on the table.
  
• The sugar is sweet.
  

General Ideas

• The computer has improved the speed of business.
  
• The cell phone makes business faster.
  

Adjectives as Nouns

• New taxes will benefit the rich.
  
• Cry for the departed.
  

Proper Nouns for Geographic Locations

Canals, deserts, forests, oceans, rivers, seas, plural
islands, lakes, countries

• The Amazon River
  
• The Indian Ocean
  

Public Places

• The bank
  
• The post office
  

The Indefinite Article  (A/AN) 

The indefinite article is "a" or "an" and is used differently than the definite article.  

It is used in the following situations: 

Single Count Nouns

• A dog is barking.
  
• There is a pencil on the table.
  

Unknown Nouns

• A man is on the phone for you.  I don’t know who it is.
  

General Statements

• A doctor must study for many years.
  

A vs. AnA and An are indefinite articles used in the same situations.
However, the word that follows affects which article to use.  If the word starts with a consonant sound, use "a".

• A dog
  
• A man
  
• A chair
  

If the next word starts with a vowel sound, use "an".

• An eagle
  
• An apple
  
• An island
  

Be careful!  It is a vowel and consonant sound, not letter. Think about how these sounds affect the article:

• A university
  
• A unicorn
  
• An honest person
  
• An hour
  

Zero Article 

The zero article does not have "a", "an", or "the" before the noun.  Don't use an article in these situations: 

Non-specific plural nouns

• I have many books.
  
• She wants food.
  

Habitual locations

• He drove to school.
  
• I am going home.
  
• I went to work.
  

Countries, Cities, Continents

• Japan is an island.
  
• Toronto is in Canada.
  

Sports

• Basketball is his favourite sport.
  
• I love soccer.
  

Academic Subjects

• Mathematics is very difficult.
  

Companies

• Ford makes cars.