When to use "el" and "la"

Question

When is it necessary to use "el" and "la" in front of nouns. I see sometimes you must use the definite article and sometimes you can omit them. When do I know when I need to use them?

Example:

Mi padre ve televisión conmigo. Or Mi padre ve la televisión conmigo.

Las fiestas de cumpleaños son divertidas. Or Las fiestas de los cumpleaños son divertidas.

Mi color favorito es rojo. Or Mi color favorito es el rojo.

Which ones are correct and why? How do I know when to use the definite articles...

Gracias de antemano..

http://spanish.about.com/cs/grammar/a/use_def_art.htm - bosquederoble, Apr 15, 2014

That is a good link to get you started. The question is too broad and dependent on instincts learned from trial and error for me to answer simply. :) - bosquederoble, Apr 15, 2014

Thank you for this link.. It helped clarify many questions but not all my questions!! :-( - Andrea8Colon, Apr 15, 2014

Then post as separate questions the specific questions, so that people can address those more limited and answerable issues. :) - bosquederoble, Apr 15, 2014

Will do thanks! - Andrea8Colon, Apr 15, 2014

Hi Andrea..please complete your profile. Thanks - rac1, Apr 16, 2014

Answer 1

I asked a similar question a while back (it was more specific) and several people answered my question. Here is the link, I hope it is helpful!