When is the article a used in English? The definite article has a specific meaning. What is it and what is it used for

An article is a service word that shows that the word behind it is a noun and describes some of its characteristics. Articles allow us to distinguish them from other parts of speech. They perform other tasks as well.

There are two articles in English: uncertain — a (an) And definite — the.

The indefinite article before words that begin with a consonant sound is used in the form a[ə], for example: a desk [ə’desk], a book [ə’bʊk]; before words that begin with a vowel sound - in the form an[ən], for example: an animal [ən’ænɪməl], an eye [ən’aɪ]. The name of the article itself (without a noun) always sounds [еɪ].

Definite article the before words that begin with a consonant sound, it is pronounced as [ðə], for example: the table [ðə’teɪbl], the pen [ðə’pen]; before words that begin with a vowel sound, like [ðɪ], for example: the apple [ðɪ’æpl], the arm [ðɪ’ɑːm]. The name of the article itself is always pronounced as [ðɪ].

When writing and pronouncing articles, it is important what sound the word begins with, not what letter. For example, if the initial letter u reads like [ʌ], then you need to put an(an uncle [ən’ʌŋkl]), but if so, then - a(a union [ə’ju:nɪon]).

Another example: if at the beginning of a word the letter h pronounced, then you need to put a(a hen [ə’hen] chicken), but if not pronounced, then - an(an hour [ən’auə] hour).

Indefinite article
• has two forms - A And an;
• denotes an incomprehensible/unfamiliar object.

Definite article
• has one form - the;
• denotes an understandable/familiar object.

Articles are never stressed and in speech merge with the word following them. When there is an adjective, the article is placed before it. Compare: an apple - a big green apple.

Use of the article

When using articles, it is important to consider what number (singular or plural) the noun is in and what its type is, namely: common or proper, countable or uncountable, abstract or concrete.

In many cases, the use (or absence) of the article is governed by grammatical rules, but in some cases it is traditional. Such cases must be remembered.

Indefinite article

The indefinite article comes from the numeral one(one). It is not usually translated into Russian, but it could be translated as “one”, “one of” or “some”, “some”. Therefore, the indefinite article can only be used with countable nouns and only in the singular.’

The indefinite article is used:
1. When an object, creature or person is mentioned for the first time, for example: I see a boy (I see (some) boy).
2. If revolution is used there is, for example: There is an apple in my pocket (I have an apple in my pocket/in my pocket).
3. If revolution is used have something/ have got something, for example: I have (got) an orange (I have an orange).
4. If the profession, position, nationality and other characteristics of a person are called, for example: I am a teacher (I am a teacher); Her son is a pupil (Her son is a student).
5. When you need to indicate that a given object (creature, person) belongs to a certain group (the property of the group is expressed by an adjective), for example: Do you know that town? Yes, it is a nice small town (Do you know this town? Yes, it is a nice little town). (In this case, the item does not need to be mentioned for the first time.)
6. If you need to specifically emphasize that there is only one subject, for example: Do you have pencils? Yes, I have a pencil (Do you have pencils? Yes, there is (one)). (Here, too, the subject does not have to be mentioned for the first time.)

Definite article

The definite article comes from the demonstrative pronoun that(this). He distinguishes a specific object from among similar ones (“this”, “exactly this”, “that very one”).

The definite article is used:
1. If the subject has already been mentioned and the conversation continues specifically about it, for example: My friend has got a dog. He walks with the dog every day (My friend has a dog. He walks the dog every day). But: My friend has got a dog. My sister also has a dog (My friend has a dog. My sister also has a dog).
2. If the object or objects belong to some special group, for example: The flowers in our garden are very beautiful (The flowers in our garden are very beautiful). (Here in our garden there is a special group, so the word flowers is written with a definite article. In this case, the word may be mentioned for the first time, but the article will be definite.)
3. If the noun is preceded by an ordinal number, for example: The second lesson is English. (In this case, we are talking about a specific and unique thing: there can be only one second lesson.)
4. If the noun is preceded by a superlative adjective, for example: Not is the best pupil in our school (He is the best student in our school). (In this case, we are talking about a specific and unique thing: there can only be one best student.)
5. If we are talking about a unique phenomenon or object. (This is why the Earth and the Sun are usually written. Here, using the definite article is similar to capitalizing a word in Russian.)
6. If we are talking about familiar objects of furniture and the surrounding world, for example: Where is my coat? It hangs at the door (Where is my coat? It hangs at the door). (It is not necessary that a specific door is meant - just a familiar piece of furniture is called).
7. If an abstract noun is used in some of its particular manifestations, for example: I cannot see anything in the darkness! (I can't see anything in this darkness!)

Absence of article (zero article)

In the absence of an article, they also say that there is a zero article.

The article is missing in the following cases.
1. When an object (thing, creature, person) is mentioned for the first time in the plural, for example: I see boys in the street (I see (some) boys on the street).
2. If revolution is used there are with a plural noun, for example: There are apples in my pocket (I have apples in my pocket).
3. If revolution is used have something/ have got something, for example: I have (got) oranges in my refrigerator (I have oranges in my refrigerator).
4. If the profession, position, nationality and other characteristics of two or more people are called, for example: We are teachers; Her sons are pupils (Her sons are students).
5. When you need to indicate that these items belong to a certain group (the property of the group is expressed by an adjective), for example: Did you hear these songs? Yes, these were very nice songs (Have you heard these songs? Yes, they were very nice songs). (In this case, it is not necessary that the word be called for the first time.)
6. If an abstract noun is used in the most general sense, for example: Darkness is the absence of light (Darkness is the absence of light).
7. If the noun is preceded by a possessive pronoun, for example: My house is yellow (My house is yellow).
8. If there is a negation before a noun no(not not!), for example: We have no bread on the table (We have no bread on the table).

It is important to know! If in cases 1-5 uncountable nouns are used (they do not have a plural), then the article is also absent. All these cases are similar to the use of the indefinite article with singular countable nouns.

Using articles with proper names

Proper names are usually used without an article, for example: Moscow, New York, Elizabeth, Trafalgar Square, Elbrus.

The definite article is used in the following special cases.
1. Names of rivers, seas, oceans, for example: the Mississippi - Mississippi (river); the Baltic Sea - Baltic Sea; the Atlantic Ocean - Atlantic Ocean.
2. The names of some states, for example: the Russian Federation - Russian Federation; the Ukraine - Ukraine; the Brazil - Brazil; the USA - USA; the United Kingdom - United Kingdom.
3. Some other geographical names (with an article - according to tradition), for example: the Caucasus - Caucasus; the Crimea - Crimea; the Hague - The Hague (city in the Netherlands).
4. Names of mountains (mountain systems), for example: the Alps - Alps.
5. Names of the cardinal directions: the North - north; the South - south; the East - east; the West - west.
6. Names of newspapers and magazines, for example: the Times - “The Times”.
7. Hotel names, for example: the Savoy - “Savoy”.
8. The name of the entire family (all family members) by last name, for example: the Krasnovs - Krasnovs (Krasnov family).

The following proper names are used without an article.
1. Names of continents, for example: America - America; Asia - Asia; Africa - Africa.
2. The names of most countries, for example: Russia - Russia; India - India; France - France; Great Britain - Great Britain.
3. Names of cities, for example: London - London; Paris - Paris; Moscow - Moscow.
4. Names of streets and squares, for example: Green Street - Green Street; Red Square - Red Square.
5. Names of months and days of the week, for example: I’ll see you in September/on Sunday.
6. First and last names, for example: Jack Black, Ivan Petrov.

Collocations with and without articles

Combinations without articles

after school/work - after school/work
at half past two - at half past two
at night - at night
at home - at home; at work - at work
at school - at school (in class)
at table - at the table (that is, at lunch, etc.)
by heart - by heart
by post - by mail
from beginning to end - from beginning to end
from morning till night - from morning to evening
go to bed - go to bed
in front of - ahead
play football/hockey - play football/hockey
to go/come home - go/come home

Combinations with the indefinite article

at a quarter past two - at a quarter past two
go for a walk - go for a walk
have a good time - have a good time
have a look - take a look
in a hurry - in a hurry
in a low/loud voice - quiet/loud
It's a pity! - It's a pity!
It's a pleasure! - Very nice!
It's a shame! - Ashamed!

Combinations with the definite article

go to the theater/cinema - go to the theater/cinema
in the country - outside the city, in the village
in the morning/afternoon/evening - in the morning/afternoon/evening
keep the house - stay at home
on/to the right/left - right, right/left, left
play the piano/guitar - play the piano/guitar
the other day - the other day
What is the time? - What time is it now?

Articles in English indicate the definiteness or indeterminacy of a noun, in other words, it makes us understand what object/concept we are talking about: abstract or concrete. For a Russian-speaking person, articles cause many difficulties, because in our language they simply do not exist. However, dealing with this unknown part of speech is not as difficult as it seems.

Functions of the article

The English language has only two articles: a (an) and the - the first is used with indefinite nouns, and the second with definite nouns. In order to better understand where and which one to put, it is necessary to consider each separately.

The indefinite article in English

Let's start with the indefinite article a (an). Its spelling changes depending on which letter (consonant or vowel) the noun begins with, which will be preceded by the article.

Consonant letter: a dog - dog
Vowel: an apple - apple

The indefinite article has two features:

• used only when talking about an abstract concept or an object that is seen for the first time;
• is used with nouns only in the singular, since the article itself comes from the numeral one (one).

The article a (an) indicates that the noun is considered not as a specific object, but as a spatial concept. For example, a cup will mean some (any) piece of tableware in the form of a cup, and not your favorite cup in the shape of a stormtrooper’s head from which you have been drinking coffee in the morning for the second year now. Thus, the indefinite article in English is used either when we encounter an object for the first time, and we still know nothing about it, or when we are talking about an abstract, collective concept.

The definite article in English

If you wanted to mention that very special morning cup in a conversation, you will need the definite article the. It comes from the pronoun that (that) and is used in cases where it is known exactly what object we are talking about.

Free lesson on the topic:

Irregular English verbs: table, rules and examples

Discuss this topic with a personal teacher in a free online lesson at Skyeng school

Leave your contact information and we will contact you to sign up for a lesson

Example: I met a man. The man was very strange - I met a man. The man was very strange.

In the first sentence we meet a stranger for the first time, in this case the indefinite article is placed before the word man. In the second sentence, we make a conclusion about the person we just talked about. He is no longer unknown, which allows us to put the definite article the in front of the word man.

The definite article the can be used with both singular and plural nouns.

To finally understand the definite article, we can consider another example - The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Here, within the same name, the definite article is used twice. This is due to the fact that in both cases we are talking about specific objects: about one single ruler (Sauron) and about the only rings created by him. If the concept “Lord of the Rings” meant a profession, then we could say a lord of rings, but that would be a completely different story.

Zero article, or when the article is not needed at all

The main difficulty in learning English articles is remembering when they should not be used.

A noun does not always require additional clarification in the form of articles - sometimes other parts of speech take on their role. Articles are not used if:

• the noun is preceded by a pronoun (my, his, her, their, one’s, this, that, etc.);
• the nouns are preceded by the words some, any, no;
• names of people or names of continents, islands, mountains;
• uncountable concept (advice, information).

Visual table about articles

As a rule, information is absorbed faster if you consider it in the form of a systematic table. We have prepared this table for your convenience.

Figuring out when and how to use articles is quite simple. But in order to remember these rules and not think every time before pronouncing or writing another noun, you definitely need practice.

Many foreign languages ​​have such a concept as an article. Starting to study grammar with this topic would be a good option for those who want to know English. The article (the rule of use will help you understand the question) is a functional part of speech in the English language. It shows certainty or uncertainty. Below in the text are the rules for its use when the article a (an), the is omitted.

Types of articles

There are two types of articles in English:

• definite - the;
• indefinite - a (an) (two forms).

The definite article shows that we are talking about some well-known or familiar object that is more individualized and stands out from others in some way. And indefinite indicates a more generalized meaning or an object that appears in the text for the first time. Examples:

The girl has a dog./The girl has a dog.

From this sentence it can be understood that we are talking about a specific girl who is already familiar to the reader and she was previously mentioned in the text, but the word “dog” is more general, what kind of dog is unknown.

Origin

We have already found out that in English there is such a part of speech as the article: a (an), the. They originally came from other words and to some extent retained their old meaning.

For example, the definite article is a shortened form of the word that (that, that), which is why it carries such a specific meaning.

Comes from the word one (someone, some).

Definite article

In English, the definite article has two functions: the first of them is specifying, and the other is generalizing. And this part of speech is used if a person knows exactly what object is being discussed, or if this object is unique.

The definite article in a specific meaning

• It is used if one item stands out from the entire set, it has some excellent parameters, it stands out due to a unique case, context. Before adjectives in

He is the best player in our team./He is the best player in our team.

• Placed before the words following, last, next, only and very. They make the noun more specific.

And not the next day./And not the next day.

• Superlative adjectives are also preceded by a definite article.

It is the worst day in my life./This is the worst day in my life.

The definite article in its general meaning

• Generalizing - when a noun can be attributed to a whole type of object.

Examples include the German Shepherd - the double coat is straight, and short length./For example, the German Shepherd. The coat has two characteristics: straight and short.

Here we are talking about all dogs belonging to a specific breed.

• Omitted if replaced by a possessive pronoun.

She sure had some love for her German Shepards./She definitely loves her German Shepherds.

• If you can put the word “this” in front of a noun.

The hotel also features easy access to the several subway stations./The hotel (this hotel) is also easily accessible from several subway stations.

• When indicating the era, significant events.

The First World War./First World War.

• Before uncountable nouns, only if we are talking about a certain volume of a substance.

And then the farmer has to find another way to deliver the juice./Then the farmer will have to find another way to produce juice.

• Before the names of body parts.

The hand/hand.

• Before social classes and strata of society.

The police./Police officers.

The definite article with proper names and some names

The table below will help you better understand how to use articles with proper names and some names. All the words below must be preceded by the definite article the.

Definite article. Plural

• If the definite article is used before a word in the singular, then it is also placed before it in the plural.

You can bring the ball with, if you want./If you want, take the ball with you.

You can bring the balls with, if you want./If you want, take the balls with you.

• Also, the article remains before the plural if we are talking about a group as a whole.

The members of Golf club can breathe fresh air./Members of the golf club can breathe fresh air. (Everyone can breathe fresh air).

Indefinite article a (an)

Use “a” if the first letter in the word is a consonant, “an” if it is a vowel:

• a table, a carpet, a dog/table, carpet, dog;
• an elephant, an eagle, an orange.

Exceptions to the rule:

• the article "a" is always placed before words that begin with the letter "u" if it is pronounced as /ju:/ (English is a universal language);
• before the words “one”, “ones” the article “a” is always used (a one-parent family);
• If abbreviations begin with a consonant, but are read with a vowel (F is pronounced like /ef/), then the indefinite article “an” (an FBI agent) is always used before them.

Classifying, generalizing and numeral meaning of the indefinite article

• In expressive sentences, in exclamatory sentences that begin with the word what, the indefinite article is used.

What a great!/How great!

• With singular nouns preceded by words such as rather, quite, such and most.

In a rather prescient way./Very far-sighted.

• If a noun is a generalizing meaning for an entire class, type, layer, etc., then an indefinite article is placed before it. Most often, such a noun appears at the beginning of a sentence and does not carry any important information. More significant details are described later in the text.

A newspaper text is a very laconic and relevant essay./Newspaper text is a laconic and relevant essay.

• In its numerical value, the article denotes its original meaning - one.

I can stay in Paris for only a day./I could stay in Paris for just a day. (Here it is clear that the particle -a can be replaced by one, the word from which the article a (an) was formed (the - from that). In this sentence, the particle takes its usual place).

The indefinite article a (an). Plural

Articles that are used before nouns in the singular are not used in the plural.

She had a book of astrology./She had a book on astrology.

She had two books./She had two books. (As you can see, the article is omitted.)

Proper names and articles a (an)

The article a (an) is used before if they:

• unknown

A Mr. Anderson has come to see you./A certain Mr. Anderson has come to see you.

• used as common nouns

You think, I am a Leonardoda Vinci?/Do you think I am Leonardo da Vinci?

• point to individual family members

It is no wonder; in fact, she is a Smith./No wonder, because she is Smith.

• describe the position of a place or object

We saw a rebuild Rome./We saw Rome rebuilt.

In addition, there are stable expressions that, regardless of the context, never change and always remain in their place. You just need to learn these phrases:

a few/several, it is a pity/sorry, a little/a little, etc.

When the article is not needed

In English there is such a thing as when it is absent in sentences before nouns. Cases where the article is omitted have already been mentioned in the article. Let's look at a few more typical rules.

• If the nouns are preceded by the adjectives old/old, little/small, poor/poor, lazy/lazy, honest/honest.

She is little girl./She is a little girl.

• If there is no definition for the noun.

I do not like Peter./I don’t like Peter.

• Before titles, titles.

Lord Green./Lord Green.

Exercises on articles

To consolidate the acquired knowledge, you need to do several exercises. Then check your answers with the keys and analyze the errors. For example, you can do the task below.

Fill in the missing article a (an), the:

Paris is…beautiful town./Paris is a beautiful city.

What's going on? I think it's … salute./What's going on? I think it's a fireworks.

Britney Spears is ... singer./Britney Spears is a singer.

This is Nick. He is... engineer./This is Nick. He is an engineer.

… spider has eight legs./Spiders have eight legs.

It is... tomato./This is a tomato.

I am...nurse./I am a nurse.

She is... best./She is the best.

To take... seat./Sit down.

In... country./In the country.

Answers to the exercise. How to correctly insert the article a (an), the:

1. a. 2. a. 3. a. 4. an. 5. a. 6.a. 7. a. 8. the. 9. a. 10. the.

An article is a word that adds a shade of certainty or uncertainty to the meaning of a noun: “After the long conference, the mug of hot chocolate is especially good.” / “After a long conference, a mug of hot chocolate is especially good.” In the first case, we transmit information about a specific conference and a mug of hot chocolate. In the second, they formulated a general statement, implying that any mug will be in place after any long conference. English has several ways of conveying this certainty, or lack thereof. Let's take a closer look.

Definite article

Definite article ( definite article) is the English word " the" It seems to limit the semantic meaning of the noun. For example, your friend might ask: “Are you planning to visit the party this Monday? - “Are you planning to attend the party this Monday?” The definite article in English communicates that a friend is referring to a particular party that is well known about. The article “the” is used with plural and singular nouns, as well as with uncountable nouns. Below are some examples of the use of the definite article in context:

• Could you give me the screwdriver, please?- Could you give me a screwdriver, please?
• Give me the orange screwdriver, please. The green one is too big.- Give me an orange screwdriver, please. The green one is too big.
• Could you give me the chisel, please?- Could you give me a chisel, please?
• Could you give me the small chisel, please? That"s the only one convenient enough to make holes in this plank.- Could you please give me a small chisel? This is the only tool that is convenient for drilling holes in this board.
• Give me the screwdriver and the chisel then, please.- Give me a screwdriver and a chisel then, please.

Indefinite article

The indefinite article ( indefinite article) there are two main forms. Firstly, this is a service part of speech " a", preceding a word that begins with a consonant. Secondly, this is the article " an", used with a word that begins with a vowel. The indefinite article in English “a/an” indicates that the noun is used in a general sense rather than a specific one. For example, you ask a friend: “Should I take a present then? “Should I bring a gift then?” The friend understands that you are not asking about a specific type of gift or a specific item. "I would like to bring an almond cake “I would like to bring some almond cake.” Again, the indefinite article indicates that no particular almond cake is being referred to. Whether it is homemade or bought at a local confectionery shop does not matter. The indefinite article is characterized by monogamy, so it can only be found with singular nouns. Consider the following examples of the indefinite article in context:

• Could you fetch me a smartphone, please? Any of them will be fine.- Could you please hand me a smartphone? Any of them will do.
• Gimme a bottle of wine real quick now, ok? Any is good.- Give me a bottle of wine quickly, okay? Any will do.

NOTA BENE: Uncountable nouns are nouns that are difficult or impossible to count. They include intangibles(information, air), liquids(beer, rum) and things, that are too large or numerous to count(equipment, sand, wood). Since these things cannot be taken into account, never use"a" or "an". Remember that the indefinite article in English is only for singular nouns. However, uncountable nouns can be used without problems with the word some.

"A" vs "an". Exceptions to use

There are a number of exceptions to the general rule of using the indefinite article before words that begin with a consonant and a vowel.

• The first letter of the word “honourable ["ɔn(ə)rəbl] - generous”, for example, the consonant “h”, however, it is silent (unpronounceable). Despite the spelling, the word “honourable” begins with vowel sound[ɔ]. That's why the choice of article falls on « an" Consider the example below for illustration:

WRONG
Thomas is a honorable person

RIGHT
Thomas is an honorable person

Translation: Thomas is a generous person.

• In the same way, when the first letter of a word vowel, But pronounced with a consonant sound, use " a", as in the example below:

WRONG
Elizabeth was an

RIGHT
Elizabeth was a United States prime minister.

Translation: Elizabeth was Prime Minister of the United States.

• Acronyms, initial abbreviations And reductions the first letters also obey this rule: a UK-based corporation, an HR management etc.

Zero article

Sometimes before some nouns the articles are omitted altogether. In these cases, the article is implied, but not actually present. This article is sometimes called zero ( zero article). Often there is no article before nouns that refer to abstract ideas. Look at the following examples:

WRONG
Let's have a dinner today.

RIGHT
Let's have dinner today.

Translation: Let's have dinner today.

WRONG
The enthusiasm is my strong point.

RIGHT
Enthusiasm is my strong point

Translation: Enthusiasm is my strong point.

Many languages ​​and nationalities are not preceded by an article:

WRONG
Mary is fluent in the Korean and the Japanese.

RIGHT
Mary is fluent in Korean and Japanese.

Translation: Mary speaks fluent Korean and Japanese.

Athletic activities, sports and academic subjects do not require an English article before them. For comparison, take a look at the offers below:

WRONG
Bobby is keen on the soccer.

RIGHT
Bobby is keen on soccer.

Translation: Bobby loves to play football.

WRONG
The literature isn't my favorite subject.

RIGHT
Literature isn't my favorite subject.

Translation: Literature is my least favorite subject.

Article + pronoun

Possessive pronouns help determine whether you are talking about a specific or indefinite subject. And although, as you already know, articles in English are used to indicate definiteness, nevertheless, if you use both a possessive pronoun and articles at the same time, the recipient will definitely be stunned. Possessive pronouns are words such as: my, his, her, its, their And our. Articles of the English language cannot be used in tandem with pronouns. " The" And " my” are not used together because both are intended for a similar purpose. The differences lie in the nuances of conveying the required meaning. Consider the following examples:

WRONG
Dexter is using the my tablet right now.

RIGHT
Dexter is using the tablet right now.

RIGHT
Dexter is using my tablet right now.

Translation: Dexter is currently using (my) tablet.

Article + adjective

In most cases, the article determines not only the noun, but also the adjective that comes before it. Usual word order: article + adjective + noun. If you mean the indefinite article, then the choice is between “ a" And " an" is based on the letter that begins the word that follows it.

WRONG
What a interesting magazine!

RIGHT
What an interesting magazine!

Translation: What an interesting magazine!

WRONG
Merriam will cook an banana cupcake.

RIGHT
Merriam will cook a banana cupcake.

Translation: Merriam will make banana cake.

Set expressions with articles

• Useful phrases with definite articles in English.

• Useful phrases with indefinite articles in English.

• Useful phrases with the zero article

So, today your knowledge bank has been replenished with the rules for using articles in English. We hope that the article was useful and to your liking and, in the future, you will no longer experience discomfort when recognizing, and, most importantly, understanding the use of this or that article in various situations. You're welcome!

Big and friendly EnglishDom family

Articles cause a lot of difficulties, and not only because in Russian there is no analogue and nothing to compare with. But because despite its specific meaning, there are many cases of use and exceptions to them. So, what is the essence of the definite article the?

The definite article also defines a noun by indicating its specificity. Its roots grow from the demonstrative pronoun that, which, like the article the, indicates something specific, precise, definite. One form, two pronunciations.

Small features of using the article the

As with the indefinite, it all depends on the noun that follows. So, if there is a consonant at the beginning of the word, then the is pronounced as [ðƏ], and if there is a vowel or silent h, then - [ði]. Very often, the definite article in English is replaced by possessive pronouns if it is important to indicate who owns this or that object, person, etc. In some cases, it is replaced by its ancestors - demonstrative pronouns - this, that, these, those. Sometimes, even if the is written in a sentence, in Russian it sounds like “this, that, those.”

The day was very interesting and full of emotions. — The day was very interesting and full of emotions.

My day was very interesting and full of emotions. — My day was very interesting and full of emotions.

When is the article the used?

Almost every noun in English must be accompanied. The use of the article the has a number of cases that need to be remembered.

1. If the item one of a kind (the earth, the sky, the sun , the Taj Mahal) and there are no other analogues, then we put the. The same is true with an object that the only one in the situation . For example, sitting in a room, you ask to close the door, the only one that is there.

Look at the moon! It is shining brightly. - Look at the moon. She shines brightly.

Close the door, please. — Close the door, please.

2. With nouns, being in the function of circumstances (where something is: in a garden, in a city, implying a specific garden or city), the definite article is also used. By using the article the, you specify.

It was very dark in the room. — The room was very dark.

They are working in the field. — They are working in the garden.

3. With nouns, denoting a certain quantity in a certain place.

The snow is dirty. — The snow is dirty (specifically in some place, because in general it is clean, white)

Give me the water, please. - Give me some water, please. (Not all the water, but a certain amount, for example, to drink)

4. If the offer contains "application", giving additional information about the person, and if the fame of this character is emphasized, then we put the.

Pushkin, the famous Russian poet, was killed. — Pushkin, the famous Russian poet, was killed.

5. After words one of, some of, many of, each of, most of, both, all.

All the newspapers were sold out. — All the newspapers were sold out.

Show me one of the dresses. — Show me one of the dresses.

Each of the women have children. — Each of the women has children.

6. Before superlative adjectives, before words the same, the following, the next (meaning next in order), the last (last) , before ordinal numbers.

It is the most interesting article I have ever read. — This is the most interesting article I have ever read.

The last week was very tiring. — The last week was very exhausting.

She took the next ticket. - She took the next ticket.

7. Before substantivized adjectives, participles, before the word people in the meaning of people.

The rich have a happy life. — The rich have a happy life.

The Soviet people won the war. — The Soviet people won the war.

8. Before words denoting social classes of people.

The workers have a small salary. — The workers have low wages.

9. Usually, the article is not used before proper names. But there are exceptions that we will consider. For example, before names denoting the whole family as a whole.

The Makarny have a big house. — The Makarnis (Makarni family) have a big house.

10. Before titles some countries, where the words republic, kingdom, states, union, federation are present, before names that are in the plural: the Netherlands, The Philippines, the Baltic States.

The Czech Republic is located in the center of Europe. — The Czech Republic is located in the center of Europe.

She has just come from the United States of America. — She just arrived from the United States of America.

11. Before titles rivers, seas, oceans, straits, canals, currents, lakes (if the word lake is not included).

The Pacific ocean is the greatest ocen in the world. — The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world.

The Baikal is in Siberia. — Baikal in Siberia. (But: Lake Baikal)

12. Before titles deserts, mountain ranges, island groups (in the only one - without).

We are going to climb the Alps. — We are going to climb the Alps.

When I was traveling around the world I was in the Sahara. — when I traveled around the world, I was in the Sahara.

13. Before the names of the four cardinal directions: the south, the north, the east, the west, poles, regions, ships.

He has lived in the west since 1967. - He has lived in the west since 1967.

My parents went on board the Star. — My parents arrived on the Star ship.

14. Before titles museums, cinemas, clubs, galleries, restaurants, monuments, names of English (American) newspapers (except “Today”), hotels.

I try to read the Morning Star every day. — I try to read the Morning Star every day.

I would like to put up in the National. — I would like to stay at the National Hotel.

Of course, it’s quite difficult to remember right away when the article “the” is used. It's all a matter of practice. But remember one truth: before common nouns, if something specific is indicated, you understand what kind of subject we are talking about, then feel free to put the. But you still have to learn how to use proper names.