Scribd
Upload
18 views

Indefinite and Zero Article

The indefinite article "a" or "an" has several functions including indefinite specific reference to individualize nouns and generic reference to classify nouns into categories. It can also serve numerical, distributive, and unique noun functions. The indefinite article follows countable nouns with no modifier, descriptive premodifiers, or postmodifiers. The zero article is used for generic reference without individualization as well as for abstract nouns, language names, and plural nouns. Proper nouns also require special consideration for article use.

Uploaded by

juliannaborbely7641
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
18 views

Indefinite and Zero Article

The indefinite article "a" or "an" has several functions including indefinite specific reference to individualize nouns and generic reference to classify nouns into categories. It can also serve numerical, distributive, and unique noun functions. The indefinite article follows countable nouns with no modifier, descriptive premodifiers, or postmodifiers. The zero article is used for generic reference without individualization as well as for abstract nouns, language names, and plural nouns. Proper nouns also require special consideration for article use.

Uploaded by

juliannaborbely7641
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

The use of the indefinite article

Before singular countable nouns


Countable noun may have
o No modifier
o Descriptive premodifier
o Descriptive postmodifier
Main functions of indefinite article:
o A) Indefinite specific reference (individualizing function)
They have a daughter and three sons.
o B) Generic reference (classifying function)
B) Tom wants to become a doctor.
A dog is an animal.

Other uses:
1. Numerical function
a. Weak form of numerical sense of ONE
b. one and the same
2. Distributive function
a. Once a day
3. Before unique abstract or material noun
4. Constructions:
a. What+an+A+N
b. So+A+a+N = SUCH+A+a+N

ZERO ARTICLE
-

Generic function
Indefinite article has no plural form => zero article
Abstract nouns
Names of languages

Use of articles with proper nouns!!

You might also like