Articles
An article is a small word like "a", "an" or "the" that comes before a noun to show if it is specific or general.
There are three types of articles:
1. Indefinite Articles (a / an)
We use indefinite articles when mentioning something or someone for the first time or when referring to a singular, non-specific noun.
Examples:
We watched an interesting film last night.
I need to buy a new jacket.
We also use "a" or "an" to say what something is or to describe someone's job.
Examples:
This is an umbrella.
She's a nurse.
Additionally, indefinite articles appear in expressions of frequency.
Examples:
once a day
three times a month
2. Definite Article (the)
We use "the" when the reader or listener already knows what we are talking about or when referring to something or someone specific.
Examples:
We watched an interesting film last night. The film was about the real life of a musician.
Can you open the window, please?
We also use "the" when there is only one of something.
Examples:
The Sun rises in the east.
I checked it on the Internet.
Additionally, "the" is used before superlative adjectives.
Example:
That is the best restaurant in town.
3. Zero Article (-)
There are times when we do not use an article:
Examples:
Women are more interested in fashion than men.
Rice is the main food in Iran.
Example:
She is my sister's friend.
Example:
We usually have dinner at 8 p.m.
Examples:
go to bed
go to work
go home
travel by bus
RELATED TOPIC
Exercises
Complete the sentences with "the", "a", "an" or "-".
1We stayed in ____ hotel in Prague last summer. ____ hotel was very nice.
We stayed in a hotel in Prague last summer. The hotel was very nice.
2She’s studying to be ____ doctor.
She’s studying to be a doctor.
3I take my dog for a walk twice ____ day.
I take my dog for a walk twice a day.
4We had ____ lunch at a nice café yesterday.
We had lunch at a nice café yesterday.
5My father works as ____ engineer.
My father works as an engineer.
6Can you call ____ children? They are playing in ____ garden.
Can you call the children? They are playing in the garden.
7____ Sugar is not good for your teeth.
Sugar is not good for your teeth.
8____ Computers have changed the way we work.
Computers have changed the way we work.