Scribd
Upload
22 views1 page

Articles Theory Intermediate

We use "a/an" with singular countable nouns when referring to them for the first time or when speaking generally. "A" is used before consonant sounds and "an" before vowel sounds, regardless of spelling. We use "the" to refer to things already mentioned or known to the listener, things that are unique, geographical areas, times, classes of things, families as a whole, or famous people being specified. The choice of article depends on considerations of pronunciation, definiteness or indefiniteness, and whether we are referring to something specific or general.

Uploaded by

ANCA POPOVICI
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
22 views1 page

Articles Theory Intermediate

We use "a/an" with singular countable nouns when referring to them for the first time or when speaking generally. "A" is used before consonant sounds and "an" before vowel sounds, regardless of spelling. We use "the" to refer to things already mentioned or known to the listener, things that are unique, geographical areas, times, classes of things, families as a whole, or famous people being specified. The choice of article depends on considerations of pronunciation, definiteness or indefiniteness, and whether we are referring to something specific or general.

Uploaded by

ANCA POPOVICI
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

a/an is short from one and it cannot stand

in front of plural nouns: a cars


We don't use articles in front of nouns the difference between a/an stems from
when we mean something in general: the need for easier pronunciation, therefore a is used
I love flowers. Crime is a problem. before initial consonants (a pen), while an is used
We don't use articles when talking about places before initial vowels (an apple).
such as church, prison, school when we are thinking * it is pronunciation that matters, not the
of the idea of these places and what they are used spelling, so bear in mind cases like a university, an
for: hour etc... and abbreviations such as an MP
After I finish high school, I want to go to We use indefinite article a(n) when
college. mentioning something/someone for the first time, as
His brother was sent to prison. means of introduction
We don't use articles with the names of * There is a man in the street. (some man,
continents, and we do not normally use it with we do not know who he is). If we continue talking
countries, states, cities, islands about the man, then we know who it refers to, so we
Asia, Europe, London, Spain.... BUT ... use definite article instead.
* The Hague The man (the one I just mentioned who was in the
* plural countries, republics, kingdoms take street) is wearing a suit.
the – the Netherlands, the UK, the Republic of we often use a/an + noun when we want to
Croatia say what sb/sth is (like)
we don't use articles in front of uncountable * What a nice coat! She is a great teacher.
nouns used in general statements we also use a/an for jobs; He is a doctor.
Oil is produced in Alaska.
when we do not know the person;
in front of most proper nouns: A Mark Fratto was looking for you.
This was made by Jackson and Son. When we refer to the qualities of the person named:
parts of day and night and meals; He's good at soccer, but he'll never be a
We left at dawn. Let's have lunch. Maradonna.
When we talk about a product or an artist's work
we use by+zero article with means of transport Could this be a Van Gogh?
and communication; by car, by post, by phone, by
email

We use 'the' in front of nationality nouns to refer to 'all the people in general'
the Chinese, the Poles, the Dutch
- to refer to geographical areas as in: the forest, the countryside, the seaside...
- we also talk about the present, the past and the future
when we use the, the reader or listener knows what we are referring to;
 by way of back reference: I bought a new car. The car is awesome.
 the+noun+of The life of Napoleon was incredible.
 a clause The guy I'm talking about works for CNN.
 Context Pass me the salt, please. (the salt on the table, for example). But
Salt is bad for you. (salt in general, any kind). The books have arrived. (the books you ordered)
 Things that are unique, one of a kind; the earth, the sun, the moon
 Public bodies; the government, the police
 Official titles; the President
we use 'the' to talk about classes of things using singular countable nouns:
The tiger is the largest animal of the four 'big cats'.
(compare: A tiger was found near the path = one tiger)
when we talk about a family as a whole; the Robinsons
When we want to specify we're talking about a famous person: The Madonna was here? (the famous
singer?)Also when we want to specify which of two people with the same name:
That is not the Peter Johnson I went to school with.
we use the in front of a superlative adjective; The finest work of art.

You might also like