Articles — a/an, the

Articles — a/an, the
Introduction

There are two articles in English: a/an AND the

a/an = indefinite article that refers any noun
the = definite article that refers to a certain or specific noun

For example:

“Let's see the movie” means a certain movie. (definite)
“Let's see a movie” means any movie. (indefinite)
“A” or “an”?

“An” is used instead of “a” before a vowel sound. For example:

An artist from the local community painted the wonderful mural at Chemainus.
Indefinite Article: A / AN

Explanation


Example

“A” and “an” are used when it is not clear which thing or person we are talking about.


She was talking to a girl at the store.

(This is an unknown girl, so a is used.)
“A” and “an” can be used only with count nouns.

I need a bottle of milk.

I need an interesting topic for my speech.
Definite Article: THE

Explanation


Example

“The” is used when it is clear which thing or person we are talking about.


Greg was talking to the girl from New York.
(This a specific girl from New York, so the is used.)

The sun comes up every day.
“The” is used when there is only one of a particular thing.

London is the capital of England.

We went to the most expensive city in the world.

The + adjective

“The” is used with some adjectives (without a noun).
For example: the young , the old, the sick
(The meaning is always plural.)
Do you think that the rich should give money to the poor?

The + nationality adjectives

“The” is used with most nationality words which refer to the people of a specific country. For example: the Canadians, the Japanese


The Italians are famous for their delicious food.

Certain nouns use the:

names of rivers, oceans and seas: the Mississippi, the Atlantic

points on the globe: the Equator, the South Pole

geographical areas: the Middle East, the West, as well as deserts, forests, gulfs, and peninsulas


The Atlantic is a huge, deep, dark ocean.

The Middle East is fascinating.

The Gulf of Mexico is below Texas.

We live near the Saanich Peninsula.