WHAT IS AN ARTICLE?
An article has the same basic function as an adjective in that it is used to describe a noun.
There are two different articles in the English language: the and a/an. The is used to describe a
specific noun, whereas a/an is used to describe a more general noun. For this reason, the is also
referred to as a definite article, and a/an is referred to as an indefinite article.
The definite article, the, is used before both singular and plural nouns when
the noun is specific.
The cat is black and white.
I would love to meet the author of my favorite book.
Have you seen the lions that are living at the zoo?
The names of geographical places are specific nouns and, therefore, may
require definite articles. Do use “the” before the following specific nouns:
•
Names of rivers, oceans, and seas
the Mississippi River, the Navesink River
the Atlantic Ocean, the Dead Sea
•
Geographical areas
the Mediterranean, the Northern Hemisphere, the South
•
Deserts, forests, gulfs, and peninsulas
the Gobi Desert, the Amazon
the Gulf of Mexico, the Baja Peninsula
•
Groups of lakes, mountain ranges, and chains of islands
the Great Lakes, the Andes, the Rocky Mountains
the Canary Islands, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas
However, no article is necessary before the following specific nouns:
•
Singular names of countries or territories
Canada, Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico
•
Names of cities, towns or states
New York City, West Long Branch, New Jersey