Articles

the
1. Only one exists
The sun is very hot.

2. Something is mentioned for a second time

We bought a new car yesterday. The car cost a lot.

3. Both listener and speaker know what is being referred to

Hurry up! The concert is about to begin.

4.

Talking about a specific aspect of something the noun is followed by of

He knows all about the history of the world.

5. Speaking generally about groups of singular countable nouns, e.g. inventions, animal
species
The microwave saves us time.
The panda will soon become extinct.

6. With adjectives referring to groups of people

He often gives money to the poor.

7. With superlatives and ordinal numbers

The first film we saw was the most interesting.

8. With musical instruments

He plays the piano extremely well.

9. With types of transport with a fixed timetable

We always get the train into town.

10.
With some countries (usually groups of other countries)
My family lives in the UK.

11.
With oceans, mountain ranges, deserts, rivers
Last year, we swam in the Pacific Ocean, climbed the Himalayas, visited the Sahara
and went cruising down the Danube.

12.
With some geographical areas
I love travelling to the mountains.

a/an
1. A singular countable noun is mentioned for the first time
I bought a new car.

2. Referring to one of several things

Do you want to watch a DVD?

3. Talking about a persons job

My friend is a policeman.

4. With some numbers

He has a thousand friends on Facebook.

5. Meaning per in some expressions

He earns $50 a day.

No article

1. Referring to countable plural nouns or uncountable nouns to talk about things in general
Computers are very useful.

2. With most streets, towns, cities, countries

I live in Park Street in Bristol in England.

3. When a towns name is mentioned with a building

Liverpool Airport is the dirtiest in England.

4. In many common expressions

I go home by bus.
She was in hospital yesterday.
I often have eggs for breakfast.