Articles: a/an, the, no article; set expressions with and without articles

There are two types of articles: definite and indefinite.

Indefinite article is used when it is clear which particular person or thing we are talking about

• I want to buy an interesting book in this shop. (it is not important which one)
• Could you give a pencil, please? (it is not important which one)
• He bought a new car yesterday. (it is not important which one)

Definite article we use:

• when the other person can easily identify the person or thing we are talking about:

• The cat is white.

• The book is lost.

• They have fed the dog.

• with things that are unique:

• The Moon is too far from the Earth.

• The Sun is shining bright.

• I would like to know where the capital of Turkey is situated.

Articles are not used:

• when we make general statements with plurals and uncountable nouns:

• I prefer coffee to tea.

• My mother like to drink juice in the evening.

• Do you like milk?

• when we talk about languages:

• They can speak English.

• Do you know French?

• He speaks Russian and Dutch.

There are some expressions, where we always use a:

• have a bath or a shower
• have a rest
• make a cake
• have a drink
• leave a message

Expressions, where "the" is always used:

• at the station
• to the cinema
• play thepiano
• in the evening, morning or afternoon

We do not use article at all:

• at home
• at work
• at school
• go to work
• go to bed
• have breakfast or lunch
• in hospital
• after dinner