Indefinite ('a/an'), definite ('the'), or zero (0)?

In most European languages there are rules about when to use (or not to use) indefinite and definite articles. These rules generally depend on the gender of the noun and on whether it is singular or plural. In English, gender does not affect our choice [> 2.39], but whether a word is singular or plural may do so.

We often use no article at all in English. This non-use of the article is so important that we give it a name, the zero article[> 3.24]. The problems of choice can be summarized as follows:

- whether to use a/an or the­- whether to use a/an or nothing (zero).

- whether to use the or nothing (zero).

3 Articles

In addition we have to decide:

- whether to use zero or some.

- whether to use the or some.

Because articles don't have gender or special plural forms in English, their use seems easy to learners at first. However, choice is complicated by three factors:

- whether a noun is countable or uncountable.

- whether we are making general statements.

- whether we are referring to something the listener or reader can positively identify or not.

A/an', 'the' or zero before countables and uncountables

The distinction between countable and uncountable nouns [> 2.14]
must be clearly understood because it affects our choice of article.
The rules for the use of a/an, the and zero + countable or
uncountable can be summarized as follows:
a/an is used only in front of a singular countable: a hat

a singular countable: the hat

the can be used in front of a plural countable: the hats

an uncountable: the water

zero: we often use no article in front of a plural countable: hats

an uncountable: water

Putting it in another way, we can use:
a/an or the + singular countable: a hat - the hat
the or zero + plural countable: the hats - hats
the or zero + uncountable: the water - water

Examples of a singular countablepreceded by:

a- The man who lives next door is a doctor

an My sister is an architect

the- The architectwho designed this block won a prize

Examples of a plural countablepreceded by:

zero The people who work next door are architects

the. The architectswho designed this block won a prize

Examples of an uncountablepreceded by:

zero- Sugaris bad for you

the. The sugaryou bought yesterday has got damp