A vs The - Definite and Indefinite Article Overview in English

What are the articles? How can you use them in English? What kinds of articles are there? Here, I will expand on the basics of articles and give you an overview.

Using articles
Singular nouns, either using "a" or "the" depending on whether you are specific about it or not.
Indefinite
He wants to buy a new hat- not sure which hat he is going to buy
I've got a nice coat - something new being introduced
Definite
Is the black bin yours? Talking about something specific
I want the yellow cake in the window.
Zero
Single countable nouns must have "a"/"an" article
I've got a new shirt = wrong
You sold an old chair= wrong

Plural nouns
"Some" is used instead of "a" and "an"
Indefinite
I have bought a new hats today = WRONG
I have bought some new hats today = RIGHT
I've just booked some more holidays
Have you got some days off?
Definite
Talking about something specific
The wallet I use is new
The bin is full
Zero
No article can be used because the plural for the nouns replaces any need for it.
Jessica is always buying fresh flowers
Lion is a kind of animal

Uncountable Nouns
The definite article is used more to talk about uncountable nouns in specific terms. Zero article is used to talk about them in general terms.
Indefinite
I left a money in the bank = wrong. "A" and "an" cannot be used with uncountable nouns.
Men should always carry a wallet.
Definite
I left your money in the bank. Talking about specific money that the listener already knows about.
Men should always carry the wallet. Cannot speak about an uncountable noun in a definite term.
Zero
He earns a lot of respect. No article as "respect" is spoken in general terms.
Men should wear a suit.

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