Definite article

the/ zero article

The definite article (The):

The word "the" is one of the most common words in
English. It is our only definite article. Nouns in English
are preceded by the definite article when the speaker
believes that the listener already knows what he is
referring to. The speaker may believe this for many
different reasons, some of which are listed below.

Use the to refer to General rules when

something which has to use "the"
already been mentioned

Examples:

On Monday, an unarmed man stole $1,000 from the bank. The thief hasn't been
caught yet.
I was walking past Benny's Bakery when I decided to go into the bakery to get
some bread.
There's a position available in my team. The job will involve some international
travel.
Use the when you assume there is just one of something in that place, even if
it has not been mentioned before.

Use the when you assume

there is just one of something
in that place, even if it has not
Examples:
been mentioned before
We went on a walk in the forest yesterday.
Where is the bathroom?
Turn left and go to number 45. Our house is across from the
Italian restaurant.
My father enjoyed the book you gave him.
 Use the in sentences or
clauses where you define or
identify a particular person
or object.
Examples:
The man who wrote this book is famous.
I scratched the red car parked outside.
I live in the small house with a blue door.
He is the doctor I came to see.

Use the with names of

Examples: geographical areas, rivers,

They are travelling in the Arctic. mountain ranges, groups of

islands, canals, and oceans.
Our ship crossed the Atlantic in 7 days.
I will go on a cruise down the Nile.
Hiking across the Rocky Mountains would be
difficult.

Zero Article

In English grammar, zero article is an occasion in speech or writing where a noun or

noun phrase is not preceded by an article (a, an, or the). Also called zero
determiners.

In general, zero article is used with proper nouns, mass nouns where the reference
is indefinite, and plural count nouns where the reference is indefinite. Also, zero
article is generally used with means of transport ("by plane") and common
expressions of time and place ("at midnight," "in jail").
With countless nouns, general or abstract Examples:
ideas and plurals (they have not been I like orange juice (noun countless)
mentioned before and have not been Give peace a chance
modified afterwards.) I hate wasps (not mentioned before and
has not been modified)

Examples: With most proper names

We live in France
I'll see you in January