Articles 

What are articles? We use articles to define, state or introduce the noun. The noun can be specific or unspecific. Articles in English are: a/an — indefinite, the — definite, and zero article (-).

What types of articles are there?

There are three different types of articles, they are indefinite articles (a/an); the definite article (the); the zero article (no article). Below, we’re going to take a closer look at all these articles and why they’re so important in English.

The indefinite articles (a/an)

Indefinite articles come in two different forms; ‘a’ for nouns beginning with a consonant and ‘an’ for nouns beginning with a vowel (a,e,i,o,u).

We use indefinite articles to introduce something new, something unspecific, a noun that usually hasn’t been introduced. We do not use indefinite articles with non-countable nouns, only countable nouns.

• A man came by today.
• I would like an apple, please.
• My colleague knows a guy who can sort it out.
• A friend of mine visited.

The definite article (the)

In all of these examples, the noun is already assumed to be known to the recipient or the listener, either because it’s just general knowledge or it’s known to them personally.

We use the definite article when the thing has already been mentioned, or we assume the recipient knows what we’re talking about — it’s something that’s definite.

Using the definite article also limits the noun to just one thing or one countable noun. We can use the definite article (the) with singular, non-singular and plural nouns. 

• What did you do with the letter I sent you?
• The man living next door came over to our house.
• What’s the problem? Are you OK?
• The country needs to see some serious reforms.
• Do you like the beach?
• The clan was up to no good.

Zero article (-)

We don’t use an article before nouns when we are talking about things in a general sense.

Something that could be a habit to us, or with nouns, both countable and non-countable that are already well assumed like; people, days, months, places, streets, languages, academic subjects, sports, and meals etc.

In all the above examples, the nouns are not preceded by an article for the reasons cited above (people, days, months, places, streets, languages, academic subjects, sports, and meals).

No article is being used because we are talking in general (in this specific context).

• I know exactly who Henry and Dorothy are.
• Can we meet on Monday instead of Tuesday?
• I was born in July.
• They live in Beijing, China.
• My friends come from Moscow.
• The street is called Wall Street, it’s the main financial area in New York.
• Can she speak Korean? No, but she does speak Russian very well.
• Benjamin is studying history and art at university. He really doesn’t like math.
• Rugby is not my favourite game. I prefer basketball.
• What did you have for lunch today?
• Did you like eating breakfast?

Examples with and without an article

• David loves eating lunch at twelve o’clock.
• David enjoyed a good lunch today.

• I speak Chinese.
• I have an excellent Chinese teacher.

• She lives in Moscow.
• The Moscow I knew just isn’t the same any more.

This doesn’t mean you should always use zero or no article with these nouns, it depends on the context and also if they are used as adjectives, then you would need to use an article.

We don’t use an article before nouns when we’re talking about things in a general sense, something that could be a habit to us.

Or, with nouns, both countable and non-countable that are already well assumed like; people, days, months, places, streets, languages, academic subjects, sports, and meals etc.

A quick lesson on zero articles with context and analysis

• My name is Thomas¹ and I’m from New Zealand². I was born in July³ and I speak two languages, English and Spanish⁴. I’m currently living in Madrid, Spain. I really love the Spanish cuisine and culture. My favourite meal is Paella⁵ and bocadillos filled with chorizo. Tell me about yourself?
• I’m Sarah and I’m from London, England. I speak English and Korean. My parents are originally from South Korea and I grew up here in England. I love Football⁶ and hockey, as well as cricket even though some people say it’s a little boring. Obviously, my favourite meal is chicken roast, a very typical dish from the United Kingdom.

Analysis

1. Thomas: is a name and doesn’t require any article, thus zero article.
2. Countries: don’t usually require an article beforehand.
3. Months: don’t usually require an article beforehand.
4. Languages: don’t usually require an article beforehand.
5. Famous meals such as paella or chicken roast, or just meals in general, usually don’t take an article.
6. Most sports don’t take articles, just like most things, when a general sense is applied, no need for any articles.

Section Review

Articles: Indefinite articles (a/an), definite article (the) and zero article (-)

• Hey Dale, how’s everything going?
• Fine, thanks. I’m just walking to campus.
• So, what are you studying these days?
• Well, um, I’m currently doing my undergrad. I’m studying literature and contemporary history. I really like it. What about you?
• I’m doing my master thesis right now. It’s a lot of work, but I really like the work a lot.
• Tell me about your master thesis.
• I only just started, I really enjoy the How’s the undergrad in literature and history, do you like it?
• Yes, quite a lot. I have two professors per subject, and they know their subjects very extensively. The professors have been at the university, and have been teaching for over twenty years, so they have a tonne of experience.
• Yes, I understand, teaching experience is so important for students.

See also