Articles

Articles in English can be complicated, and there are many rules for their use. Learning a few general rules about the use of the articles is helpful; the logic of these rules can be transferred to most uses of the article. In addition to learning the rules, you can gain a good working use of the articles through reading and listening. 

As we noted above, the articles are the, usually referred to as the definite article, and a/an, the indefinite article. They both constitute part of the noun phrase and usually, provided there are no other determiners present, occupy the first position in the noun phrase.

A/an

This is used when the noun 

that we wish to refer to is unknown to our listener/reader or is not part of the common ground that we share. It is most often used to introduce new information.

Tell me a story.

The

By using the, we are signalling to our listener that she/he is very likely to know what we are referring to and that the context of our conversation should help them to identify this. 

I was out the other day and I found a ten-pound note on the street. I couldn't decide whether to keep the money or hand it in. (I have already talked about this money in the previous sentence.)

No article

If we want to refer to something general and the nouns that we are using are either plural or uncountable, we leave out articles.

I really like funfairs.

Definite article

Are use for classes, National groups, others groups, unique objects, titles, musical instruments, geographical names, shared knowledge or experiencie.

Indefinite article
Use to name a job, measuring, introducing something new.

No article
Names, streets, general plurals.