Using articles: a/an, the, no article

Using articles: a/an, the, no article

1. Use a / an with singular countable nouns

   • in exclamations with What .... .. !
     • What an awful day!
   • in certain expressions like ......
     • three times a week
   • when you say what something is
     • It's a nice house.
   • the first time you mention a thing / person
     • I saw an old man with a dog.
   • when you say what somebody does
     • She's a lawyer.

2. Use the

   • when we talk about something we've already mentioned
     • I saw an old man with a dog and the dog was barking.
   • with places in a town, eg cinema
     • I'm going to the cinema.
   • when there's only one of something
     • The moon goes round the sun.
   • when it's clear what you're referring to
     • He opened the door.
   • with superlatives.
     • It's the best restaurant in town.

3. Don't use the

   • when you are speaking in general (with plural and uncountable nouns)
     • Women talk more than men. Love is more important than money.
   • before meals, days and months
     • I never have breakfast on Sunday.
   • before next / last + days, week etc
     • See you next Friday.
   • with some nouns (eg home, work, school, church) after at / to /from
     • She's not at home today. I get back from work at 5:30.

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