The (Definite Article)
Use 'the' when it is clear which specific thing you mean — because it was already mentioned, is unique, or is known from the situation.
Level A2
Articles
Summary
- Use 'the' when it is clear which specific thing you mean — because it was already mentioned, is unique, or is known from the situation.
Structure
the + singular, plural, or uncountable noun
Examples
- I bought a car. The car is red.
- The sun rises in the east.
- Please close the door.
- She is the best student in the class.
Common mistakes
- • Don't use 'the' for general plurals: NOT 'I like the dogs' (in general) → 'I like dogs.'
- • Don't omit 'the' with unique things: NOT 'Moon is bright' → 'The moon is bright.'
More articles
A / An (Indefinite Article)
A1
Use 'a' or 'an' before singular countable nouns when you mention something for the first time or talk about it in a general, non-specific way. Use 'a' before a consonant sound and 'an' before a vowel sound.
Zero Article (No Article)
A2
Use no article with plural and uncountable nouns when talking generally, and with most names of people, countries, meals, languages, and abstract ideas.
Much, Many, A Lot Of
A2
Use 'many' with countable nouns and 'much' with uncountable nouns, usually in questions and negatives. 'A lot of' works with both and is common in positive statements.
A Few and A Little
A2
'A few' means a small but positive amount with countable nouns; 'a little' does the same for uncountable nouns. Without 'a', 'few' and 'little' sound more negative.
All, Every, Each
B1
'All' refers to a whole group together; 'every' and 'each' look at members one by one. 'Every' takes a singular noun and a singular verb, as does 'each'.
Both, Either, Neither
B1
These words talk about two things. 'Both' means the two together, 'either' means one or the other, and 'neither' means not one and not the other.