 The three articles — a, an, the — are a kind of adjective. The is called the definite article because it usually precedes a specific or previously mentioned noun; a and an are called indefinite articles because they are used to refer to something in a less specific manner (an unspecified count noun). These words are also listed among the noun markers or determiners because they are almost invariably followed by a noun (or something else acting as a noun). adjectivenoun

The Definite Article - THE - Before a noun which has been used previously My house is not far from a river. But the river is very polluted. - Before nouns known both by the speaker and the interlocutor The garden looks very nice today. The boss has asked about you

Before unique nouns, such as : the sun, the moon, the Earth, the sky, the Equator The Equator is an imaginary line in the middle of the Earth. - Before a noun which represents a category of animals,plants or things The rose is a symbol of beauty and love. The nightingale is a singing bird. Even children can use the computer nowadays.

- Before proper nouns used in the plural The Tudors reigned in England for more than a century. - Before names of days, months, years and seasons, when we mention one in particular The year 2001 was the beginning of a new millenium. The whole country was covered with snow until the month of May. - Before names of countries, when they are in the plural : the Netherlands, the USA Yhe USA is a military force in the world

 The Indefinite Article - A, AN - Before a countable noun in the singular which is mentioned for the first time There is a church near my house. - Before a noun in the singular which represents a whole class of people or things A friend will always help you. An actor should have good pronunciation. - Before nouns that indicate professions My son will be an engineer next year, and my daughter is a doctor. - In expressions which refer to prices, speed and time frequency These grapes are 50 cents a kilo. The speed limit is 60 km an hour. You should take these pills three times a day.

Before names of countries,cities and continents :England,Wales, Romania,London,Bucharest, New York,Europe, North America Have you ever been to England ? Romania is situated in Europe. - Before abstract nouns : love, knowledge, wisdom, freedom, justice, life, death Knowledge is power. Time is money.

- Before uncountable nouns used in general : bread, butter, cheese, ham, meat, coffee, sugar, gold, silver, wood, grass, oxygen I never drink coffee. Chocolate is not very healthy. - Before other uncountable nouns :advice, furniture, information, luggage, news I need advice to solve this problem. This book has useful information.

- Before names of sciences Robert got first prize in Mathematics. She has just got her degree in Physics.

Before nouns used in the plural with a general meaning : Men and women should have equal rights. Drivers must slow down at crossroads.