A, An or The

Even though it might seem obvious, people often confuse how to use the articles a, an and the. In short, when we talk about things in general, we use a or an (indefinite articels, but when it comes to anything in particular, we use the (the definite article).

I saw a star last night. You don’t know which star I’m talking about because there are millions in the night sky.

I saw the moon last night. We can only see one moon (without a telescope) from down here on Earth, so we need to be specific.

Can I have an umbrella? I’m asking about any umbrella that might be around.

Can I have the umbrella? I’m asking you for a particular umbrella.

The usage of articles also depends on the familiarity of the object in question.

They have a table in the kitchen. When we present something for the first time, we use a/an.

The table is big and round. But later, after knowing what is being talked about, it becomes specific.

This rule also applies to characteristics.

She’s a lawyer. She’s very good at her job. We are describing one attribute that she has. Or you can think of her as one of many lawyers that exist in the world. In either case, we use a or an.

She’s the lawyer, who’s defending our case. We want to differentiate her from another person, so we use the.

So now that you know when to use articles, you should also know when not to use them!

Do not use a/an before plural nouns:

I like reading a books in bed before going to sleep.

Do not use a/an before uncountable nouns:

We have a rustic furniture in my living room.

Do not use the before proper names:

Do you know the Thomas. I saw him in front of the Big Ben.

Do not use a, an or the before solitary adjectives:

She is a guilty. She is the guilty.

Well now that you know the difference between these articles, there’s no reason to be indecisive!