ARTICLE THE / ZERO ARTICLE
GENERAL RULES
WHEN TO USE ARTTICLE
"THE"
1.- It is used to refer to
something that has already been mentioned before
EXAMPLES
- My dad gave me a car. The car is very fast
- A man won the lottery. The man was very lucky.
- My girlfriend bought a sweater. The sweater is very pretty and blue.
- A woman who fell 10 meters in height was raised safely. The woman fell as she climbed.
2.- When there is only one thing
of something or reference is made to a group.
EXAMPLES
When the things you are talking
about are unique.
- Clouds float across the sky.
- The sun came out at 6:15 this morning.
- You can travel anywhere in the world.
When referring to a group.
- The Mexicans enjoy tequila.
- He has given a lot of support to the victims.
- The elderly require special attention.
3.- In the names of some
countries
EXAMPLES
- He is visiting the United States.
- I have never been to the Netherlands.
- Do you know anyone who lives in the Philippines?
- James is from the Republic of Ireland.
4.- With some geographical
locations
EXAMPLES
- I would like to travel to the North Pole.
- They are traveling through the Arctic.
- A boat crossed the Atlantic in 7 days.
- Walking through the Rocky Mountains would be difficult.
5.- When
the noun answers the question What? Which?
EXAMPLES
- What is the best soccer team in Mexico? The Club America
- What is the best university? The UTSH
WHEN NOT TO USE ARTTICLE "THE"
1.- With
plural accounting nouns, when they are spoken of in a general way
EXAMPLES
- Women are beautiful
- Students are smart
2.- With
countless nouns when speaking of them in a general way
EXAMPLES
- Money is necessary
- Math is difficult
3.- With
all proper names (names, months, cities)
EXAMPLES
- She lives in Pachuca.
- John will come later.
- She will come to visit me in december
