PH
The Indefinite Article : a / an
1. We use the article a / an when we are talking about something for the first time or not specific things.
· I've got a new job. (the listener doesn't know what the job is)
Would you like a drink? (unspecific drink - i.e., any drink)
2. The indefinite article can be used only in front of a singular noun.
· a user
· a piece of cake
3. The article a is used in front of words that begin with a consonant sound.
· a book
· a small apartment
· a house
· a university (the letter u sounds like a consonant)
4. The article an is used in front of words that begin with a vowel sound.
· an elephant
· an old car
· an apron
· an hour (we use an because the letter h is not pronounced)
The Definite Article : the
1. The article the is used before singular count nouns.
· He's going to take the dog for a walk
2. The article the is used before plural count nouns.
·Harry and Daniel are using the computers.
3. The article the can be used with notcount nouns or the article can be dropped entirely.
"He's drinking the water." or "He's drinking water."
4. We use the article the when we talk about something more specific.
· The train to Cubao leaves at 6.30.
· I always remember the day when we met.
5. When we talk about something for the first time we use a or an, the next time we repeat that object we use the definite article the.
· I live in an apartment. The apartment is big and clean.
Articles in English are complicated, and there are many rules for their use. However, learning a few general rules about the use of the articles is helpful; the logic of these rules can be transferred to most uses of the article. In addition to learning the rules, you can gain a good working use of the articles through reading and listening. Remember that the article is not stressed, so don't listen for its full value! Also, ask native speakers to help you when you don't know whether or not to use the article.
Quick Hints
· a before consonants (a book)
· an before vowels (an exam)
Pronunciation is what matters.
· an hour ('h' is silent and it's pronounced: an our)
· Temporary illnesses: (I have a headache, a cold, a fever, a backache)
· "The" with superlative forms (He is the smartest kid I have seen.)
Some Rules using Articles
Singular count nouns:
indefinite: use 'a'
definite: use "the"
· My daughter wants to buy a dog this weekend. (Indefinite-Could be any dog)
·The dog in the backyard is very cute.(Definite-The one in the backyard)
· He requested a puppy for his birthday.
· He wanted the puppy he played with at the pet shop.
· She ordered a hamburger without onions.
· Did you drink the coke I just ordered?
Plural count nouns:
Use "the" or Nothing, never 'a'.
· Come and look at the children. (definite)
· Children are always curious. (indefinite)
· She loves flowers. (indefinite)
· The flowers in her garden are beautiful. (definite)
· Do you like reading grammar rules?
· Do you like reading the grammar rules on this page?
Non-count nouns:
Use "the" or nothing.
· He has experience. (if indefinite or mentioned for the first time)
· He has the experience necessary for the job. (if definite or mentioned before)
· The medicine the doctor prescribed had unpleasant side effects.
· Writing in a second language is especially challenging.
· Have you studied the history of Japan?
· History reminds us that events repeat themselves.
Definite Article THE Rules
Adjectives as Nouns
When referring to a group of people by use of an adjective rather than a noun, use "the".
· the elderly
· the disabled
· the unemployed
· the rich
· the sick
· the needy
· the homeless
· the young and the restless
Names of Countries
Some countries are preceded by "the", usually if the name is plural, contains an adjective, or includes "of".
· The United States
· The Soviet Union
· The Republic of Congo
· America
· Russia
· Spain
· Japan
· China
· Mexico
Cities and Streets use nothing
· Bonifacio Global City
· #12 P. Campa Sampaloc Manila
· Highway 5 London Kennedy blvd.
Rivers, Oceans, Seas, Groups of Mountains & Islands use "the"
· the Amazon
· the Atlantic
· the Mediterranean
· the Cascades
· the Hawaiian Island
Numbers
Cardinal numbers(1,2,3) use nothing
· World War 2
· Page 9
· Chapter 1
· Mission 1
· Paragraph 5
· Channel 7
Ordinal numbers (1st,2nd,3rd) use "the"
· The Second World War
· the seventh page
· the first chapter
· the first mission the fifth paragraph the sixth channel
Titles of People
When a title is given with a name, use nothing
· President Duterte
· Queen Elizabeth
· Professor Arthur
When a title is used without a name, use "the"
· The president
· the queen
· the professor
Schools
When a school has "of" in its title, use "the"
· The University of Manila
· The University of London Chapter 2
When a school does not have "of" in its title, use nothing
· Lincoln High School
· Arizona State University
· Far Eastern University
Location versus Activity
When referring to an activity, use nothing
· I am going to school now.(activity-study)
· He is always on time for class. (activity-learn)
When referring to the location, use "the"
· The meeting is at the school. (location-campus)
· They are remodeling the movie theater. (location-building)
· The new student had trouble finding the class. (location-classroom)
Unique Objects - Use THE
· the earth
· the human race
· the world
· the moon
· the sun
· the universe
Part of a larger group, Use THE
-One of the students
-None of the students
-Both of the students
-All of the students
—QueenCee
