Articles: A, an or the

Most of the time you use articles in the same way as in Swedish, but there are also some special rules for English. Some of these are explained here.

Indefinite article - a, an (Obestämd artikel)

In front of consonant sound, use a - a cat, a car, a European problem - Note: European starts with a vowel, but is pronounced wih consonant sound [juro..]

In front of vowel (vokal) sound, use an - an apple, an astronaut, an hour - Note: hour starts with a consonant but is pronounced with vowel sound [au..]

• Use a/an for occupation (yrke) and nationalities - I am a teacher. He is a pilot. The policeman is an American. The swimmer is a Swede.

• Can you drive a car? - Kan du köra bil? Sometimes the indefinite article is not used in Swedish. However, it must be used in English

Definite article - the (Bestämd artikel)

Definite article, the, is used:

• The Simpsons, The United States of America - Names in the plural

• The Nile, The Atlantic Ocean - Rivers, Seas

• The Titanic, The Grand Hotel, The Restaurant - Hotels, ships, cinemas, restaurants, theaters

• The Washington Post, The Times - Many newspapers

• This is the wrong way. The following day - Often before: right, wrong, following, same

• The wind came from the North - Often before: north, south, west, east

• Keep to the left/right - Before: left, right

• All the leaves are green. We got half of the cake. - After: all, both, half

• You take the bus towards Stockholm. - When we talk about something that is part of society and that everyone knows about

Definite article, the, is NOT used:

• That's life. Until death us apart. You are my only love. - For life, death, love (unless it is a specific - "The love of my life" "The death of X")

• At Eastern we always go to Miami. Some believe Buddhism is better. - Festivals/Holidays/Religiones/Political ideologies

• What did you eat for breakfast? I'll see you at dinner time. - Meals (unless it is a specific - "The dinner we had at your place")