Monday, March 6, 2017

Those Little Words...A, An, and The

Table of Articles


NUMBERINDEFINITEDEFINITE
Singulara / anthe
Pluralnothingthe
Non-Countnothingthe

Quick Hints

  • a before consonants (a book)
    an before vowels or consonants with a vowel sound (an exam, an honest mistake) 

  • Temporary illnesses: (I have a headache, a cold, a fever, a backache)

  • "The" with superlative forms (He is the smartest kid I have seen.)

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 South Africa?
    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 elderlythe disabledthe unemployed
    the richthe sickthe needy
    the homelessthe youngthe restless

    Names of Countries

    Some countries are preceded by "the", usually if the name is plural, contains an adjective, or includes "of".

    The United StatesThe Soviet UnionThe Republic of Congo
    AmericaRussiaSpain
    JapanChinaMexico

    Rivers, Oceans, Seas, Groups of Mountains & Islands use "the"


    the Amazonthe Atlanticthe Mediterranean
    the Cascadesthe Hawaiian Islandsthe Bahamas

    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 earththe human racethe world
    the moonthe sunthe universe

    Part of a larger group, Use THE

    -One of the students
    -None of the students
    -Both of the students
    -All of the students 

    To practice online:


    More rules for using articles:


    10 comments:

    Thomas M. Baily said...

    happy with what I saw and I read here, the information that I can quite make me satisfied,https://essay-reviewer.com/

    For I already know on this page mengatkan I can only thank you.

    Unknown said...

    Follow the link royalessay to not waste time and manage everything. It's the best service for writing work with students and scientists. They can talk about everything what your need and following instructions towards the finish. Great team!

    Alice Jackson said...

    Wedding Wedding Cake Toppers are a fundamental part of the wedding decor.Pick one that suits the wedding theme or could make you as well as your visitors laugh.With this wide variety of wedding wedding cake toppers available, it will likely be simple to find wedding wedding cake toppers to fit your wedding theme. From beach themed wedding wedding cake toppers or romantic heart formed wedding cake tops, we've the thing you need.You will want a comical wedding cake top for that bridal shower, or look for a wedding cake topper that suits your personality.Searching for that perfect wedding cake top that captures the essence of you and your spouse? Then look for https://wallinside.com/post-63734556-6-actionable-tips-for-making-wedding-comfortable-for-children.html

    Charles Null said...

    Their technical ability is good and they're very cooperative. In the end ui ux consultant, they've managed to finish a great platform

    Dale said...

    They successfully deployed user insights to update the existing interface and streamline internal processes.
    top branding companies

    Rodney Janis said...

    Their organizational skills and approach to communication assure projects are completed on time.
    UX consulting firms

    Kelly Ramos said...

    With a robust design process and years of industry experience, the team provided scalable, navigable solutions to their partner.
    best user interface design

    Splegalnurse said...

    I see the greatest contents on your blog and I extremely love reading them.
    San Francisco web designer

    Aubrey Dickey said...

    The people are very lucky to have this blog because it has better knowledge.
    top design agencies

    mariaooo23 said...

    what is article & how its uses after reading this post kofax power standard and advanced
    I m completely clear about its uses in grammer &also our surroud area.