a / an / the

Articles: a / an / the / zero article

A is the indefinite article. It is used with single countable nouns.

• He is a doctor.
• Is there a post office near here?

Use a before consonant sounds. Use an before vowel sounds.

• a book
• a holiday
• a university
• an ice-cream
• an hour
• an umbrella

The is the definite article. It is used when there is only one of something.

• the moon

This includes superlative adjectives.

• It's the best sound in the world.

It is used when it is clear which thing the speaker refers to.

• Where's the bathroom?

It is used when something has already been identified.

• I had an egg and a sausage. The egg was bad.

We don't use the article the when we talk about things in general.

• I like music.
• I like the music on the radio now.
  NOT: I like the music.

Articles: the / zero article

• The oranges are on the table.
  The = article

• Oranges are grown in Spain.
  ___Oranges = zero article

The zero article is used with indefinite plurals and uncountable nouns. We use it when we are talking about these things in general.

• Chocolate is made from cacao beans.
  NOT: The chocolate is made from cacao beans.
• Oranges are grown in Spain.
  NOT: The oranges are grown in Spain.
• I like dogs.
  NOT: I like the dogs.

The article the is used with specific plurals and uncountable nouns.

• The chocolate is expensive in this shop. (definite article: Which chocolate? The chocolate in this shop.)
• The oranges on the table are for dessert. (definite article: Which oranges? The oranges on the table.)

Here are more examples to compare:

• I like music.
• The music is very loud in this bar.

• She's very interested in poetry.
• The poetry in this magazine is excellent.

• Books are expensive.
• Put the books on the table.