Articles are either indefinite (a, an) or definite (the).

TIP: Use an indefinite article (a or an) before singular count nouns, not with noncount nouns.

Correct: I saw a movie. [count noun]

Correct: I ate an avocado. [count noun]

Incorrect: I fell in a love. [noncount noun]

Correct: I fell in love. [noncount noun]

TIP: Use the definite article (the) before both singular and plural count nouns that have specific reference.

Correct: I saw the movie. [a specific one]

Correct: I saw the movies. [specific ones]

Correct: I like to see a good movie. [nonspecific, therefore the indefinite article]

Correct: The movie I saw got a four-star review. [specific, therefore the definite article]

TIP: Use the definite article with noncount nouns only when they are specifically identified.

Correct: Wisdom [as an idea] comes with age.

Correct: The wisdom of her decision is admirable. [specifically identified]

Correct: I needed guidance to help make up my mind. [not specifically identified]

Correct: The guidance my mother provided was helpful. [specifically identified]

TIP: Use the definite article the before proper nouns (names) of

oceans, rivers, and deserts
(the Atlantic Ocean; the Mississippi River)

countries, if the first part of the name indicates a division
(the Soviet Union)

regions
(the East)

plural islands
(the Hawaiian Islands)

museums and libraries
(the Library of Congress; the Museum of Natural History)

colleges and universities when the word college or university comes before the name
(the University of Nebraska)