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