Even high level students tend to make mistakes with articles. Here are some rules to clarify whether to use an indefinite article or definite article, or whether to use a definite article or no article.
Indefinite Article or Definite Article? Unknown and Known Nouns
When we introduce a noun for the first time, we use the indefinite articles, a or an.
If we have already referred to the noun, or if the noun is known, we use the definite article, the.
It said on the news that a man had driven his car into a house. The man was treated for minor injuries, but the car was totally destroyed. No one in the house was harmed.
In the case of the noun house, we use the indefinite article a the first time we mention it (because it’s being introduced) and the definite article the second time because it’s known.
Definite Article or No Article? Specific and General Nouns
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