Articles
Level II: Known or New?

A. Using the definite article the implies two things:

1.) the writer has a particular noun [person, place, thing] in mind, and

2.) the writer can reasonably assume that the reader can identify which noun [person, place, or thing] the writer has in mind.

EXAMPLE:

• Incorrect: Madeline went over to her desk to sit in a chair.
• Correct: Madeline went over to her desk to sit in the chair.

In this example, the writer can reasonably assume that the reader knows which chair Madeline went to sit in; therefore, a should be replaced by the definite article the.

B. Using the indefinite article a or an means either:

1.) the writer does not have a particular noun [person, place, or thing] in mind, or

2.) even if the writer does have a particular noun [person, place, or thing] in mind, he/she does not assume the reader can identify which noun [person, place, or thing] the writer has in mind.

EXAMPLE:

• Incorrect: Jacob had the really good job.
• Correct: Jacob had a really good job.

In this example, the reader hasn’t a clue what Jacob’s really good job is; therefore, the should be changed to the indefinite article a.

Here are some rules to help the writer decide whether or not it can be reasonably assumed the reader will be able to know the meaning in the mind of the writer:

1. Use the definite article the if you have already mentioned the noun previously in

the text.

EXAMPLE: His bicycle slid out from under him. The bike was not damaged.

2. Use the definite article the if the noun is followed by modifiers which clearly and

specifically identify the noun.

EXAMPLE: I went to the deli on the corner of Dole Drive and Heath Avenue.

3. Use the definite article the if the noun meets normal expectations of how things work.

EXAMPLE: Michael ran into a phone booth and picked up the receiver.

4. Use the definite article the if the noun is unique in a way that everyone is expected

to know about.

EXAMPLE: The moon came up high in the night sky.