About articles in English. Examples of the use of articles in English. Indefinite article a: usage rules

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 heard history.
It is good advice(uncountable noun). - This one good advice.
I liked the films(countable noun in plural). - I liked it movies.

Students often make 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. - This 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. - This 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? - Do you want to see film? (don't know which movie yet)	Sure, let's watch the film has been released this week. - Sure, let's see. film 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.

In addition to the 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 class as a whole, use the construction "the + singular countable noun".

   The Cheetah is the fastest animal in the world. - Cheetah- the fastest animal 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 (ship "Mayflower");
   • 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 cinema 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 TV set.
   I don't play football in February. - I don't play football v 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.

   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.

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.

Greetings, my dear readers.

I know that I usually start with something else, but today I have a task for you right away. I want you to look at these sentences and tell me what is the difference.

Tommy sat down on a chair while waiting for his turn. Tommy sat down on a chair while waiting for his turn.

Tommy sat on the chair nearest to the door while waiting for his turn. Tommy sat down on the chair closest to the door while he waited his turn.

You have probably already noticed that the difference is in the very articles and the meanings that they carry. And yes, my dears, today we will have an exciting journey, where there will be an important topic for you and me - articles in English. I will tell you the basic rules, give many examples, both for children and adults. And I also immediately give you links to and on the topic of articles.

What is it and what is it used for?

Let's define right away: article is something that should always come before a noun. He defines the noun, very roughly speaking, so that we can better understand what is being said.

What are they and what are they used for?

There are three of them in total: a, an and the.

And their use depends on which noun follows next. There are two types of nouns in English:

• Countable- those that we can count. For instance:

Pen

Earring - earring

• Uncountable The ones we can't count. For instance:

Sugar - sugar

water - water

To understand when articles are used, we also need to remember that nouns are singular (diamond - diamond) or plural (diamonds - diamonds).

And now, just to be absolutely clear, here is table with examples where you can clearly see where and with what they are used.

Brother "a"

This article also bears the not at all proud name " uncertain » ( ). This is because it is usually placed in front of objects, of which there are many throughout the world. And it is used only with nouns that can be counted, and even then if they are in the singular. That is, if there is a lot of something, and you need to mention one thing, it is necessary to use this particular article. Let's look at examples:

This morning I bought a magazine.- I bought a magazine this morning. (Not any specific magazine, but one of those that were in the store).

I had a sandwich for lunch.- I had a sandwich for lunch. (Some one sandwich).

My sister got a job. - My sister got a job. (One of the existing works around the world).

By the way, the article "a" has a small, modest brother, which appears quite rarely - before words that begin with vowels. This is "an". His goal is the same, so do not be afraid - do not get confused.

I've got an apple and an orange with me. - I have an apple and an orange with me.

Brother "the"

The article the, it also bears the name definite , is used when we know the subject to be discussed. Next to him, countable and uncountable nouns both in the singular and in the plural calmly coexist ( You can learn more about him).

In addition, very often it is used with geographical names and set expressions that you just need to learn. But it is important to remember that everywhere, including the names of places, there are exceptions that we will learn separately ( Come in to find out about it.).

Rosy doesn't feel well. She went to the doctor. Rosie doesn't feel well. She went to the doctor. (To the doctor she usually goes to).

Did Molly get the job she applied for? Did Molly get the job she applied for? (Exactly the job she applied for).

When is it not at all?

Well, OK,- you say. - When these articles are used, we understand. But we do not always use only them!

And here you will be right, because the English language prepared a small test for us and created cases where the article is not needed at all. And this phenomenon even got its name - zero article. Its use is mainly associated with exceptions to the previous rules. Or if we use in speech proper names(Tom, Mary, Ritha) or any concepts in general.

Apples grow on the trees.- Apples grow on trees. (In general, all apples as a species).

Tom bought a bike. Tom bought himself a motorcycle. (There is no article before proper nouns.)

There are also situations when nothing needs to be put before a noun. It happens after pronouns(my, our, his, this, that, etc.).

By the way, my dears, after completing the lesson with the rules, never forget to practice. I have for you that will help to consolidate new material for a long time. You can also, which will help you remember the rules for using articles for a long time. Of course, articles are not the easiest rules for children, whether it's 2nd grade or 8th grade. And adults usually suffer with them too. But with my help, I hope you can figure them out faster.

Do not forget that you can receive news from my blog much faster by simply subscribing to the newsletter. Be the first to know about all important events.

In many foreign languages ​​there is such a thing as an article. To start learning grammar from this topic will be a good option for those who want to know English. The article (the rule of use will help to understand the question) is a service part of speech in English. It shows certainty or indefiniteness. Further in the text, the rules for its use are given when the article a (an), the is omitted.

Types of articles

There are two types of articles in English:

• definite - the;
• indefinite - a (an) (two forms).

The definite article shows that we are talking about some well-known or familiar subject that is more individualized, somehow stands out from others. And the indefinite one indicates a more generalized meaning or an object that appears in the text for the first time. Examples:

The girl has a dog./The girl has a dog.

From this sentence, it can be understood that we are talking about a particular girl who is already familiar to the reader and she was previously mentioned in the text, but the word “dog” is more generalized, which dog is unknown.

Origin

We have already found out that in English there is such a part of speech as the article: a (an), the. They originally came from other words and to some extent retained their old meaning.

For example, the definite article is an abbreviated form of the word that (that, that), which is why it carries such a specific meaning.

It comes from the word one (someone, some).

Definite article

In English, the definite article has two functions: the first of them is concretizing, and the other is generalizing. And this part of speech is used if a person knows exactly what subject is being discussed, or if this subject is unique.

The definite article in a concretizing meaning

• It is used if one object stands out from the whole set, it has some excellent parameters, it is distinguished by a unique case, context. Before adjectives in

He is the best player in our team./He is the best player in our team.

• Placed before the words following, last, next, only and very. They make the noun more specific.

And not the next day. / And not the next day.

• Superlative adjectives are also preceded by the definite article.

It is the worst day in my life. / This is the worst day in my life.

The definite article in a general sense

• In generalizing - when a noun can be attributed to a whole kind of objects.

Examples include the German Shepherd - the double coat is straight, and short length./For example, a German Shepherd. The coat has two characteristics: straight and short in length.

Here we are talking about all dogs belonging to a particular breed.

• Omitted if replaced by a possessive pronoun.

She sure had some love for her German Shepards.

• If you can put the word "this" before the noun.

The hotel also features easy access to the several subway stations./The hotel is also easily accessible from several subway stations.

• When specifying the era, significant events.

The First World War./The First World War.

• Before uncountable nouns, only if we are talking about a certain amount of substance.

And then the farmer has to find another way to deliver the juice.

• Before the names of body parts.

The hand

• Before social classes and strata of society.

The police./Police officers.

The definite article with proper nouns and some titles

It will help to better understand how to use articles with proper names and some names, the table below. All of the following words must be preceded by the definite article the.

proper names	Examples
Rivers	the Nakdong
Names of newspapers	the Washington Post
place names	the North Field
Objects from astronomy	the Moon
Mountain names	the Andes
cardinal directions	in the East
Surnames in the plural (meaning all family members)	the Adamsons
Channels	the Nicaragua Canal
City districts	the West End
Nationalities	the Italian
Unique architectural structures	the Winter Palace
desert	the Bolivian
Names of reservoirs	the Black Sea
Ship names	the Aurora
Some countries	the Argentina
Nicknames	the Tall Ben

Definite article. Plural

• If the definite article is used before a word in the singular, then it is placed before it in the plural.

You can bring the ball with, if you want.

You can bring the balls with, if you want./If you want, take the balls with you.

• Also, the article remains before the plural when it comes to a group as a whole.

The members of Golf club can breathe fresh air./The members of the Golf club can breathe fresh air. (Everyone can breathe fresh air).

Indefinite article a (an)

"a" is used if the first letter in the word is a consonant, "an" if it is a vowel:

• a table, a carpet, a dog / table, carpet, dog;
• an elephant, an eagle, an orange / elephant, eagle, orange.

Exceptions to the rule:

• the article "a" is always placed before words that begin with the letter "u" if it is pronounced /ju:/ (English is a universal language);
• before the words "one", "ones" the article "a" (a one-parent family) is always used;
• if abbreviations start with a consonant but read with a vowel (F is pronounced like /ef/), they are always preceded by the indefinite article "an" (an FBI agent).

Classifying, generalizing and numeral meaning of the indefinite article

• In expressive sentences, in exclamatory sentences that begin with the word what, the indefinite article is used.

What a great!

• With singular nouns preceded by words such as rather, quite, such, and most.

In a rather prescient way./Very far-sighted.

• If a noun is a generic value for the entire class, species, layer, etc., then it is preceded by an indefinite article. Most often, such a noun is at the beginning of a sentence and does not carry any important information. More significant details are described later in the text.

A newspaper text is a very laconic and relevant essay.

• In the numeral value, the article denotes its original meaning - one.

I can stay in Paris for only a day./I could stay in Paris for only a day. (Here it is clear that the particle -a can be replaced by one, the word from which the article a (an) was formed (the - from that). In this sentence, the particle takes its usual place).

Indefinite article a (an). Plural

Articles that are used before singular nouns are not used in the plural.

She had a book of astrology./She had a book on astrology.

She had two books./She had two books. (As you can see, the article is omitted).

Proper nouns and the article a (an)

The article a (an) is used before if they:

• unknown

A Mr. Anderson has come to see you./A certain Mr. Anderson has come to see you.

• used as a noun

You think, I am a Leonardoda Vinci?

• point to individual family members

It is no wonder; in fact, she is a Smith./No wonder, because she is a Smith.

• describe the position of a place or object

We saw a rebuild Rome. / We saw a rebuilt Rome.

In addition, there are stable expressions that, regardless of the context, never change and always remain in their place. These phrases just need to be learned:

a few / a few, it is a pity / sorry, a little / a little, etc.

When the article is not needed

In English there is such a thing as when it is absent in sentences before nouns. Above in the article, cases were already mentioned when the article is omitted. Let's look at a few more typical rules.

• If nouns are preceded by adjectives old / old, little / small, poor / poor, lazy / lazy, honest / honest.

She is little girl./She is a little girl.

• If there is no definition for a noun.

I do not like Peter. / I do not like Peter.

• Before titles, titles.

Lord Green./Lord Green.

Article exercises

To consolidate the acquired knowledge, you need to do a few exercises. Then check your answers with the keys, analyze the errors. For example, you can do the task below.

Insert the missing article a (an), the:

Paris is … beautiful town./Paris is a beautiful city.

What "s going on? I think it's ... salute. / What's going on? I think it's a salute.

Britney Spears is … singer./Britney Spears is a singer.

This is Nick. He is … engineer./This is Nick. He is an engineer.

… spider has eight legs./Spiders have eight legs.

It is … tomato./This is a tomato.

I am ... nurse. / I am a nurse.

She is … best./She is the best.

To take … seat./Sit down.

In ... country. / In the country.

Answers to the exercise. How to correctly insert the article a (an), the:

1. a. 2. a. 3. a. 4. an. 5. a. 6.a. 7. a. 8. the. 9 a. 10. the.

In English, unlike Russian, special words are widely used - articles. The article and the rules for its use in English are presented below in examples to facilitate the perception of the necessary material. There are two articles in English - the definite the and indefinite a (an) . The article is usually only placed before nouns. The indefinite article applies exclusively to singular countable nouns, while the definite article can be applied to various singular and plural nouns, whether or not they are countable.

No article

First, let's remember in which 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 possessive noun (my father's, Mary's etc), or the negation of "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 performs the function of an adjective, the use of the article is possible, for example: Paul is a man's name(man's 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 a substance or an abstract concept:

• I don't like tea, I prefer coffee. I don't like tea, I prefer coffee Tea coffee- generally)
• 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 the names of sports:

• I am fond of football, and my sister prefers badminton. — I love football, but 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" is not an independent article, but a form of the indefinite, which 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 only used with singular nouns.

The indefinite article is used in the following cases:

• The first time an item is mentioned. 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 the following types of sentences

— 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 certain subject or subjects (both in the singular and plural), which / which we have already spoken about, or we understand from the context what we are talking about. For example, Yesterday I saw a film. The film was not interesting. / I know all the people in this photo.
• With items that are one of a kind Thesun, thewind, themoon,theearth
• 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 denotes a number, the article is not put: Lesson 7, Bus 15, page 45)
• With cardinal points: In the north; in the south; in the east; in the west
• With a surname - when it comes to 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 theatre; at the shop/ the market

Note: The definite article the can also be used with uncountable nouns when referring to a certain amount of a substance:

• Pour out the water from the jug. It is not fresh. - Pour out the water from the jug, it is stale (certain water is the one in the jug).

Definite article with place 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 shortened to an abbreviation (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 from 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 the use of the article. There are many nuances, and the scope of one article does not allow to mention everything. But we have prepared another video tutorial on some difficult cases of using the article.

It is used before singular and plural nouns when talking about something specific, specific.

The criminals robbed the bank . – The criminals robbed a bank (some 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” before a noun, then there will be an indefinite article, and if “the same \ those same” is suitable, then a definite one.

The definite article is also used with nouns that mean:

1. Something unique that exists in a single copy

the Sun - the sun,

the Columbia river - the Columbia River.

(for 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 superlative adjectives

the biggest mall in Moscow is the biggest mall in Moscow.

The article can quite strongly change the meaning of the whole sentence. For instance:

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 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. Something very general is meant

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

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

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

See you on Monday. - See you on Monday.

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

3. Before words denoting a meal

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 using articles before proper names. You must have noticed that, for example, there is no article before some geographical names, while others are preceded by the. Let us first consider when articles before 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 without the article, so usually the article is not needed.

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 nouns that serve as an appeal.

In fact, they are treated 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. used almost like proper nouns.

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 "mother" in the USA is written mom, and in the UK mum.

When an article is needed before a proper name

There are cases when the article the is placed before proper names. There is not always a pattern 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 - The Whites (White family) live in Albuquerque.

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

2. Before some geographical names.

This is a rather confusing moment, because in the use of the article before toponyms there are patterns somewhere, 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 of the 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 the use of articles before geographical names. And that's why. In speech, I use them very rarely, and if I use them, then they are the same (I'm from Russia). Even if I memorize everything that Anton says in the video, I will still safely forget most of it, because this knowledge is rarely useful. I don’t see anything wrong with looking into the manual or googling in a difficult case. When I write in Russian, I often have to turn to reference literature (anyone who writes something by occupation will say the same), what can I say about foreign language.

English articles in set expressions

There are a number of set expressions in which the definite or indefinite article is used.

Set expressions with the indefinite article A/AN
a few	several
a little	Little
a lot of	lot
a great deal of	lot
a good deal	lot
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	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	smoke
to have a rest	relax
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!
Set expressions with definite article THE
by the way	by the way
in the morning	in the morning
in the afternoon	afternoon
in the evening	in the evening
in the country	outside the city, in the countryside
in the past	in the past
in the present	present
in the future	in future
in the distance	away
in the plural	in plural
in the singular	in the singular
in the street	outside
just the same	the 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, out of the question
on the other day	the other day (in relation to the past)
the day after tomorrow	day after tomorrow
the day before yesterday	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 the 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	be at school
to be at table	to be at the table (for food)
to be in town	be in the city
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
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	housekeeping
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)	travel by bus (car, train)
at breakfast (dinner, supper)	at breakfast (lunch, dinner)
at hand	at hand
at home	Houses
at night	at night
at peace	in the world
at present	currently
at school	at school (in class)
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	accidentally
by day	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	erroneously
by name	by 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	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
holiday	on holiday
on sale	on sale