USING ARTICLES: a/an, the, no article

GUAu

GUAu

USING ARTICLES:

a/an, the, no article

ARTICLES

Articles are used before nouns or noun equivalents and are a type of adjective. Many learners of English have problems with articles (the words a, an and the), especially when they don’t exist in their own language. This blog looks at some of the basic rules.

Indefinite article

a /

AN

The number one rule is this: if a word is countable (e.g. one book, two books), you must always use an article (or my, his, etc.) 1. I read a book. √ 2. I read book. This is true even if there are adjectives before the noun: 1. He drives an old car. √ 2. He drives old car.

For the purposes of understanding how articles are used, it is important to know that nouns can be either count (can be counted) or noncount (indefinite in quantity and cannot be counted). In addition, count nouns are either singular (one) or plural (more than one). Noncount nouns are always in singular form.

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unCOUNTABLE NOUNS

COUNTABLE NOUNS

definite article

the

Use the definite article the with any noun (whether singular or plural, count or noncount) when the specific identity of the noun is known to the reader, as in the following situations

Use the article the when a particular noun has already been mentioned previously. 1. I ate an apple yesterday. 2. The apple was juicy and delicious. Use the article the when an adjective, phrase, or clause describing the noun clarifies or restricts its identity. 1. The boy sitting next to me raised his hand. 2. Thank you for the advice you gave me. Use the article the when the noun refers to something or someone that is unique. 1. The theory of relativity . 2.The moon looks big tonight.

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No Article