Flowchart on the Use of Articles
Here is a simple flowchart to help determine which article to use.
This flowchart covers the general rules and does not deal with the details, special cases and exceptions.
Yes Use "the"I visited the Great Wall of China.
The apples I bought today were rotten.
NoNo No articleI need (some) water.
Yes Noun singular?No No articleFootprints were found at the scene of the crime.
Yes Use "a" or "an"
accordinglyShe lives in a big house.
She bought an apple at the convenience store.
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