DEFINITE ARTICLE THE/ ZERO ARTICLE

DEFINITE ARTICLE THE/ ZERO ARTICLE

FUNCTION

We use the definite article the: 

When something has been mentioned before.

Example: 

I can see a man and a woman in a cafe. The woman is wearing a blue coat.

When there is only one of something or the reference is to a whole group.

Example

The world, the fashion industry, the BBC.

With some country names that have plural nouns or the words, States, Kingdom, or Republic in the name.

Example:

The Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom.

With geographical features.

Example:

the Pacific Oceans, the Andes, the Mississippi River.

When the noun answers the questions which? or what?

Exampple:

Which jacket is yours?

The red one.

FUNCTION

We use the no (Zero) article:

With plural countable nouns when talking about them generally.

Example:

Dogs are good pets. Apples are a healthy snack.

With uncountable nouns when talking about them generally.

Example:

Money, wood, water.

With names of people, months, cities, most countries, products, etc.

Example:

David Beckham, New York, January.