How to Use Articles (a/an/the) Articles modify nouns. English has two articles: the and a/an. THE (definate article) is used before “particular nouns” which are A. things known to both the listener and the speaker B. something that belongs to a particular group. C.*noncount nouns D. or it can be **left out entirely) A. "Let's read the book," This specific book. This one right here. B."I just saw the most popular movie of the year." Of all the movies (in the group), this movie is most popular. C. "I love to sail over the water" (some specific body of water) D. "I love to sail over water" (any water). Geographical Use There are some specific rules for using the with geographical nouns. Do not use the before: • names of most countries/territories: Italy, Mexico, Bolivia • exceptions: the Netherlands, the Dominican Republic  the Philippines, the United States is okay • names of cities, towns, or states: Seoul, Manitoba, Miami • names of streets: Washington Blvd., Main St. • names of lakes and bays: Lake Titicaca, Lake Erie  exception: group of lakes like the Great Lakes is okay • names of mountains: Mount Everest, Mount Fuji • exception: with ranges of mountains like the Andes or the • Rockies or unusual names like the Matterhorn • names of continents (Asia, Europe) • names of islands (Easter Island, Maui, Key West)  exceptions: with island chains like the Aleutians, the Hebrides, or the Canary Islands A/an (indefinate article) is used before “non-particular nouns” A. talking about just things of a general category B. you’re talking about a non-specific member or part of a group. NOTE: "A/an" can be used only with count nouns.  starts with a consonant use > “a” A. She has a dog. (not saying what kind of a dog) A. He bought a car. (just a vehicle that is a car – not the kind or color)  starts

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