Abstract. Introduction. The problem of using articles in the English language has been widely discussed in the scientific and educational community for many centuries. Starting from the 18–19th centuries, theoretical studies began to appear, expanding the understanding of articles and their functions in the system of modern English. Multidimensional studies of the concept article, including its functions, semantic, cognitive, discursive characteristics, as well as expressive-stylistic functions, are in the focus of attention of Russian scientists. The purpose of this article is to analyze the features of functioning articles in modern English and consider the main trends in changing their usage in media texts and modern English speech. Materials and methods. The research material includes selected dissertation researches and thesis abstracts on the problem of the article in modern English, media texts (English-language newspapers and magazines), as well as materials from the Internet. The study is based on different methods: dictionary definitions, context analysis, comparative study of the functions of articles, discourse analysis, as well as functional-cognitive, semiotic and categorical approaches in the study of articles in the English language. Research results, discussion. Based on the analysis of scientific works on multidimensional studies of the concept article, its functions, semantic, stylistic, cognitive, and discursive characteristics, as well as media texts, the thesis is confirmed that the article is a developing category reflecting the cultural and historical characteristics of society development. Conclusion. The research results can be useful for further theoretical research of articles from the point of their variable and cultural and specific use in modern English speech.