Spanish Language Style Guide: Articles

Definite Articles (el, la, los, las)

Exclude articles as first words in certain titles when referring to general items or concepts, as different from individualized ones. The purpose of definite articles is to indicate specifically identifiable things.

NOTE: If dealing with titles in a Web site, it is preferable to write them without definite articles so the site’s search will return the desired results.

[Las] Neoplasias de células plasmáticas
La enfermedad del General San Martín
El descubrimiento del átomo

Indefinite Articles (un, una, unos, unas)

Avoid unnecessary translations of the indefinite article:

How can I become a US. Citizen?
¿Cómo puedo hacerme ciudadano estadounidense?

Incorrect Use: La informática, una rama de las telecomunicaciones.

Correct Use: La informática, rama de las telecomunicaciones.

Page Updated or Reviewed: September 28, 2006