Article

Yes you need it.

I agree with N the B. Computer, in this case, is specific, pointed. In fact most things within a house/office [where a computer usually is] are referred to with .

the fridge/TV/coffee table/sofa/etc - all

the boss/washrooms/toilets/water cooler/file cabinet/etc - all

Well, when they're referred to with 'the' they are. But:

Your fridge is empty.
Is there anything on tv?
For a coffee table, it seems rather high.
Sitting on a sofa is bad for your back. Sit on this chair instead.
Fridge, tv, coffee table, sofa – think that's just about everything. Now let's pack up the bedroom.

{Wavy music. Next day, at work.}

Bos

Well, when they're referred to with 'the' they are. But:

JTT: Absolutely, Mr P. But you've taken the meanings outside of the original question.

[Your] The fridge is empty. [people living in the house]

Is there anything on the tv? I thought I left it there. [the physical box]

For a coffee table, it seems rather high. [not specific to the house; compared to

I agree that to 'define' an item, we can use 'the' (the 'definite article', in fact).

But why the distinction between items inside/outside the house or office?

Just curious.

MrP

Good question Mr P. ESLs, at least the group I've taught seem to get hung up on the "first introduction use 'a/an', thereafter use 'the' rule.

Pointing up that everything in the house is already specific, requiring 'the' helps them to begin using it in a more natural fashion. I'm afraid I've learned from long experience that "knowing the rules" really doesn't help ESLs when it comes to

first introduction use 'a/an', thereafter use 'the' rule.

This is exactly the rule I was taught in school. But I now know the rule is wrong. My current rule is "use when the thing both you(listener) and me(speaker) know what it is". As for the special usage of zero article, I think we have to learn them as something like an idiom.

The best online site

It does sound a strange rule, JT.

My original question meant: does your rule hold true outside the house/office as well?

But in view of your latest comments, it seems you were saying something like:

'In a house, there is usually only one example of certain kinds of item - e.g. one fridge, one cooker, one bath. Therefore any such items are predefined by contex

It does sound a strange rule, JT.

JTT: Don't think of it as a rule, Mr P.

My original question meant: does your rule hold true outside the house/office as well?

But in view of your latest comments, it seems you were saying something like:

'In a house, there is usually only one example of certain kinds of item - e.g. one fridge, one cooker, one bath. Ther

MrP: It does sound a strange rule, JT.

JTT: Don't think of it as a rule, Mr P.

MrP: Not your rule, JT: the first use "a" rule. That sounds strange.

But I'm still curious about the fact you make a distinction. Your examples show that you're contrasting 'the' usage in the house/office with zero article usage elsewhere. Where would 'elsewhere' be?