refers to a specific person, place, or thing; it is definite (like a sure thing)
examples:Â
the boat
the red rose
the apple
refers to something not as specific
examples:
a boat
a red rose
an apple
The lake is the place for fishing.
the in this example is a definite article
here's why
the refers to a certain lake (even though the lake is not named, but the way it is worded tells the reader it has to be a certain lake, not just any ole lake)
(indefinite) lake is (indefinite) place for fish to swim.
A lake is a place for fish to swim.
a in this example is an indefinite article
a refers to any ole lake