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What is the difference between "a" and "the"? "The" is used to talk about specific or known things. These are usually things that have been mentioned before or that the listener is familiar with. "A" (or "an") is used to talk about things which are not specific. These are usually things that haven't been mentioned before or that the listener is unfamiliar with. Let's say I tell you: "I went to see a doctor last week." Explanation: I went to see some doctor. I didn't mention him before, and you are not familiar with him. Another option is that it is not important who he is. So I use the word "a". Then I say: "The doctor said I should get more rest." Now you already know which doctor I am referring to. I am referring to the doctor I went to see. So I use the word "the." Next I say to you: "Do you remember the movie we watched together?" I use the word "the" because I mention a specific movie – you know which movie I am talking about. Then I tell you: "Well, I've seen a better movie since!" You are not familiar with the new movie, so I use the word "a". I also tell you: "A man on the street stepped on my foot." You don't know who exactly stepped on my foot, I've never mentioned him before. So I use the word "a". Finally, I tell you: "I am a singer." This sentence simply means that I sing for a living. If I said: "I am the singer", you would understand that I am the singer that was mentioned before. For example: - "Wow! I heard a great singer is coming to town." - "Oh, it's me. I am the great singer." Now that we understand the general idea of English grammar articles, here are some more specific details: