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Singular count nouns cannot stand alone in a sentence.

Apple is on table. (Wrong!)

1. An article (the, a, an)
An apple is on the table.
The professor gave us a test.

2. A number or quantifier (one, another, the other, each, every, either, neither)

One man was in Chicago. Neither man was with his wife.

The other man was in Saint Paul. Either man could be in trouble.

Note: Never use the and another, each, every, neither, either together:

The another man was in Milwaukee. (Wrong!)

3. This, that, some*
This artist created that painting.
Some woman came to see you. (*unidentified subject)

4. A possessive pronoun or noun.
It is my bicycle now.
It was John's bicycle.

Note: Do not use articles and possessives together.

The Mary's bicycle was stolen. (Wrong!)

Don Smith lived next door to Dr. Zimbango.
The Empire State Building is in New York City.

Cats are enemies of dogs.
Water is essential for survival.

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