Articles (a, an, the)

Articles tell you whether a noun is indefinite or definite. Many languages have no articles, so this is new grammar, not a translation of a Ukrainian or Polish word.

A / An — indefinite

Use with a singular countable noun when you mention something for the first time, or one of many.

Choose a or an by sound, not by spelling:

• a book, a car
• a university — [juː], a consonant sound
• a one-way street — [w]
• an apple, an hour — silent h
• an honest man

• I saw a dog. — some dog, not identified yet
• She is a teacher.
• What a beautiful day!

The — definite

Both speakers know which one: already mentioned, unique in the situation, or unique in general.

• I saw a dog. The dog was black.
• the sun, the moon
• the United Kingdom
• Please close the door. — the door here

No article: most names of people and countries (Poland), uncountables in a general sense (I like music), plurals in a general sense (Dogs are friendly).