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Indefinite and Definite Articles

The document discusses the use of definite and indefinite articles with countable and uncountable nouns in English. It explains that indefinite articles "a" and "an" are used the first time a singular countable noun is introduced, while the definite article "the" is used for nouns that are clearly understood from context. No article is used with plural countable nouns or uncountable nouns used in general statements. Exceptions include countries, cities, streets, and certain geographical terms which do not take articles.

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Joskua Malfavon
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113 views

Indefinite and Definite Articles

The document discusses the use of definite and indefinite articles with countable and uncountable nouns in English. It explains that indefinite articles "a" and "an" are used the first time a singular countable noun is introduced, while the definite article "the" is used for nouns that are clearly understood from context. No article is used with plural countable nouns or uncountable nouns used in general statements. Exceptions include countries, cities, streets, and certain geographical terms which do not take articles.

Uploaded by

Joskua Malfavon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Indefinite and definite

articles
Joskua Malfavon
Yanette Jimenez

COUNTABLE NOUNS. Indefinite articles a/an


If noun is singular we must use indefinite article

a dog is an animal.
a person they has a good sence of humor is appreciated.
Or no article for plural countable nouns
Dogs are animals.
People they have a good sence of humor is appreciated.
We are introducing a noun for the first time in a story.
A man walks into a bar, the indefinite article a is used for both the man and the bar
because this is the first mention of both nouns.

COUNTABLE NOUNS. Definite article the


We use the for singular, plural and uncountable nouns when the reader or listener
clearly understands which thing were talking about:

There is only one in existence that matters.


We visited the Sistine Chapel when we were in Rome.

We describe exactly which one we are talking about.


Let is open the Chardonnay that Pam and Dale gave us for our anniversary

COUNTABLE NOUNS. Definite/indefinite


articles
Use an indefinite article a/an when you mention a singular countable noun
for the first time, when you refer to the same tem again, use the.
Animal cloning begins with on cell from an animal living, dead, or even
extinct. From that, an exact copy of the animal can be created.

Uncountable nouns
How much?
Not a/an
Use a word of expression like a cup of, a pinch of

When making general statments:


no article with uncountable nouns
(technology, education, shopping, love, intelligence, food, etc.)

In the future, artificial intelligence could have a huge impact in our daily lives

the is required when the noun is made more specific by a modifying phrase
following the noun

the ethics of cloning need to be addressed by experts in the field

Exceptions:

Countries
Cities
Streets

Lakes, bays, islands

Superlative adjectives
Compares three or more pronouns.
Takes the comparision to the highest level
My mothers cooking is the best

Use the with superlatives and sequence markers but dont use the with time expressions
the best computer programs can drive cars

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