ARTICLES: a/an, the, no or zero article

A lot of English language learners are confused in using the articles. Here are some few things to remember:

a/an

We use a/an with singular countable nouns:

1 the first time you mention a thing / person.
- I saw an old man with a dog.

2 when you say what something is or what somebody does.
- It's a nice house.
- He is a teacher.

3 in exclamation with What...!
- What an awful day!

4 in expressions of frequency
- I have classes three times a week.


the

We use the:

1 when we talk about something we've already mentioned.
- I saw an old man and a dog.
The dog was barking.

2 when it's clear what you're referring to.
- My classmate opened the door.
- The children are at school.

3 when there's only one of something.
- The moon goes around the Earth.

4 with places in a town, (for example: movies and theater.)
- I'm going to the movies tonight.

5 with superlatives.
- It's the best restaurant in town.


no or zero article

We don't use an article:
1 when we are speaking in general (with plural and uncountable nouns).
     Compare:
     I love flowers. (= flowers in general)
     I love the flowers in my garden. ( = the specific flowers in my garden)
- Women usually talk more than men.
- Love is more important than money.

2 with some nouns, (for example: home, work, school) after at / to / from.
- She's not at home today.
- I get back from work at 5:30.

3 before meals, days, and months.
- I never have breakfast.

4 before next / last + day, week, etc.
- See you next Friday.


😎

adapted from GRAMMAR BANK p.137 English File (Intermediate) LATHAM-KOENIG, OXENDEN 
Oxford University Press