ARTICLES:

WHAT ARE ARTICLES:

ARTICLES are small words that are often used at the beginning of a NOUN PHRASE.
There are two type of ARTICLES:

DEFINITE: ( The )
INDEFINITE: ( A/An )

TWO BASIC RULES:

I, To say which I mean, we put "THE" before a noun.
EXAMPLE:
I have been to the doctor.
Have you fed the dogs?
Could you pass the salt ?

II, When we can not say, 'You know which I mean', we either put AN INDEFINITE ARTICLE or we don't use any article.

- We put "A/AN" before a SINGULAR COUNTABLE NOUN.
There is a rat in the kitchen.
I need a glass of water.
She wants an envelope.

- Put 'NO ARTICLE' with a PLURAL or UNCOUNTABLE NOUN.
She is afraid of rats.
He needs helps.

FOUR COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:

1, Don't use "A/AN" with PLURAL or UNCOUNTABLE NOUN.
Amir collects stamps.
Our garden needs water.

2 Don't use "THE" to talk about things in general.
Elephants can swim very well.
Petrol is expensive.

3, Don't use ARTICLES together with other DETERMINERS.
My work. (Not = The my work. )

4, Don't use SINGULAR COUNTABLE NOUNS alone, without an ARTICLE or DETERMINER.
Give it to the cat. (Not = Give it to cat, because the listener knows which cat I am talking about.)
Annie is a doctor. (Not = Annie is doctor)