When to use the article...

Question

How am I supposed to know when to use an article? (so far I finished lessons 1.1 to 1.4)

Examples:

(a) For questions:

¿Comes (las/unas) fresas?

(b) For singularities:

Como (una/la) manazana.

(c) For pluralities:

Como (las/unas) fresas.

So far, I created my own rule by simply keeping in mind: If you have a plural form there's no need for an article either definite or indefinite. If you have a singular form it depends on the countability of the noun. (leche vs. manzana)

Maybe this mystery is still to be discovered by following lessons, but if someone can already give me a hint by now I'd pretty much appreciate it.

Answer 1

I think you´ll find your rule doesn´t work. A good example of when not to use definite articles is when describing your profession. But there are many more. Be patient and learn them.

Answer 2

a. questions -comes LAS fresas?, if you don´t have them in your hands or if the person you´re talking about can´t see where they are. -comes UNAS fresas?, if you have them in your hand or if you want/have a bunch but you don´t know how many exactly.

we usually use UNA/S about things we own, we have. Comí unas manzanas y compré una naranja. we use LA/S to talk in general about things we don´t have. Probé las frutillas del supermercado pero no compré. La sandía no tenía buen color.

Answer 3

Welcome to the forum