GRAMMAR 2 DEFINITE/INDEFINITE ARTICLE

Definite and indefinite articles

Indefinite: a, an

Definite: The

Use it when

Use it when/with

you mention sb or smth for the first time

or say who or what sb or smth is

My neighbour has just go a dog and a cat

The dog is an Alsatian and the cat is a Siamese

It's clear who or what sb or smth is

Jack got into the car and drove to the town hall

We don't use it with

Most countries, continents, and regions ending with the name of a country/continent (e.g North America) islands, states, provinces, towns, and cities

the names of roads, streets, parks, bridges, shops, and restaurants

mountain ranges, rivers, seas, canals, deserts, and island groups

individual mointains and lakes

names of theatres, cinemas, hotels, galleroes, and museums

The River Danube flows into the Black Sea.

The National Gallery and the British Museum

DON'T USE AN ARTICLE

to speak in general with plural and uncountable nouns.

in phrases like at home/work, go/ come home / to bed, next / last week

With institutions: don't use an article if you're thinking about the institution and the normal purpose it is used for.

If you're just thinking about the building, use a or the

prison, church, school, hospital, and university