1. Articles
Using them correctly…

2. A countable, singular noun must never stand alone.

3. The
Used to talk about a specific or particular thing or group or idea.
Can be many things or just one thing
The rule is that it has to be particular and specific
Keep in mind what you are trying to say
If you are trying to say something specifically, then you may need “the”
“I need to study for the English class.”
There is just one English class that you are referring to
This English class is specific
“I bought the tickets for the movie.”
There is a specific movie we are talking about
There are specific tickets that were bought

4. A/An A/An talks about something that is singular and non-specific
You use “an” when the noun sounds like a vowel (i.e.: an hour)
A good rule is that you can replace a/an with any and it should still work
“Please go get a book to read.”
“Please go get any book to read.”
When using “a/an,” make sure to look for where the noun is and look over the articles, acronyms, or initialisms:
a broken egg
an unusual problem
a European country
An SPCC plan
“A/An” also refers to membership in a group (“I am a teacher.”)

5. Countable and Non-countable Nouns
Sometimes with non-countable nouns, “the” can be used or omitted
“I love to sail over the water” (some specific body of water) or “I love to sail over water” (any water).
“He spilled the milk all over the floor” (some specific milk, perhaps the milk you bought earlier that day) or “He spilled milk all over the floor” (any milk).
With countable nouns, you need “a/an” if it is not specific
“I need a bottle of water.”
“I need a new glass of milk.”
Beware the general noun! (“She wants a water.”)

6. When not to use articles…
Names of languages and nationalities
Chinese, English, Spanish, Russian (unless you are referring to the population of the nation: “The Spanish are known for their warm hospitality.”)
Names of sports
volleyball, hockey, baseball
Names of academic subjects
mathematics, biology, history, computer science
Names of generalized ideas that are not specific to your situation
“Climate change is a major problem to the world.”
“When I studied national history, I swelled with pride.”

7. Geographic Locations names of most countries/territories
Italy, Mexico, Bolivia; however, the Netherlands, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, the United States
names of cities, towns, or states
Seoul, Manitoba, Miami
names of streets
Washington Blvd., Main St.
names of lakes and bays
Lake Titicaca, Lake Erie except with a group of lakes like the Great Lakes
names of mountains
Mount Everest, Mount Fuji except with ranges of mountains like the Andes or the Rockies or unusual names like the Matterhorn
names of continents (Asia, Europe)
names of islands (Easter Island, Maui, Key West) except with island chains like the Aleutians, the Hebrides, or the Canary Islands

8. When you need to add an article to a thing that didn’t need one (ideas)…
General versus Specific
A lot of times, especially when talking about ideas and institutions, articles can be confusing
Consider whether the idea/institution you are talking about is a general idea or a specific one
This can be challenging and requires some sense, but the more you practice, the better it gets.
“I study economics.”
You do not need an article because economics is a general idea.
“I study the economics of Korea.”
You need an article this time because “of Korea” makes “economics” specific

9. When you need to add an article to a thing that didn’t need one (ideas)…
Usually, when you have a noun followed by information that is a specific time or place or relationship, then you need an article
[noun] of ___________
[noun] at ___________
[noun] in ___________
[noun] + other information
You do not need an article with an idea/institution noun followed by information that is not related to the noun
“I can study economics anytime.”
“anytime” is not related to economics but is related to study
“He always discusses government agency regulations over dinner.”
“over dinner” has nothing to do with “government agency regulations”

10. Examples – The, A/An, No Article?
Where’s ___ knife I was just using?
How much ___ snow do you get in winter?
I had ___ fruit for lunch.
I’m thinking about taking __ holiday.
Can you lend me __ pen?
___ roses in your garden are beautiful.
Make sure you drink plenty of ___ water.
Let’s eat out at ___ restaurant tonight. What type shall we go to?
I should buy ___ new pair of shoes soon.
____ urban development is often implemented through ____ highest legislative body.
____ urban sprawl of Ethiopia has become ___ real problem for ____ government.