Another 6 rules for using articles in English. We have already looked at 6 simple rules for using articles in Level A1, so now we will look at another 6 rules for when to use A, AN (the indefinite articles), THE (the definite article) or no article (this is shown as Ø in grammar books).

To follow this lesson, you will need to know what countable and uncountable nouns are. Here are a few examples:

• Countable: ball, cat, car
• Uncountable: milk, cheese, information

 Rule #1: Do not use indefinite articles (A or AN) with uncountable nouns.

• I like milk but I don’t like cheese.
• I like a milk but I don’t like a cheese.

Rule #2: We use no article (Ø) when talking about things in general (we use plurals for countable nouns)

• Milk is good for you. (talking generally about milk)
  
• Younger people often like playing computer games. (talking generally about younger people)
  

Compare:

• Milk is good for you. (talking in general)
• The milk is in the fridge. (the milk that we have in the house)

Rule #3: We use no article (Ø) in front of sports, school subjects and most countries.

• I like football.
• History is a very interesting subject.
• I went to Japan last year
• BUT I went to the United States last year.

Rule #4: If and adjective is used, then the article is used in front of the adjective, not the noun.

• I have a car.
• I have a sports car. (NOT I have sports a car)
• I live near a university.
• I live near a small university.

Rule #5: Some / any can be used before uncountable nouns.

• I want a biscuit and some milk
• Do you have any eggs?

Rule #6: We use the indefinite article (A or AN) with phrases like a lot of, a few, a couple, and a little, regardless of whether it is a countable or uncountable noun.

• I would like a little milk.
• He has a lot of information about what to do in this area.
• I have a couple of things to do before I go to bed.
• She has a few questions to ask you.