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Articles

The document provides an overview of article usage in English, detailing the differences between definite articles ('the') and indefinite articles ('a' and 'an'). It explains when to use articles with countable and non-countable nouns, along with examples and exceptions. Additionally, it offers a step-by-step guide for determining the appropriate article in writing.

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4 views

Articles

The document provides an overview of article usage in English, detailing the differences between definite articles ('the') and indefinite articles ('a' and 'an'). It explains when to use articles with countable and non-countable nouns, along with examples and exceptions. Additionally, it offers a step-by-step guide for determining the appropriate article in writing.

Uploaded by

papluji895
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UHCL Writing Center

D. A. V. COLLEGE MUZAFFARNGAR
.
. .Department of Teacher Education
Session :- 2023 - 2025

EPC :- Understanding of
Submitted ICT Submitted
by :- Subject :- English To :- prof.
ABHISHEK Topic :- Article SANGEETA
KUMAR SHRIVASTAV
UHCL Writing Center
Article Usage “A” “An”
and “The”
UHCL Writing Center
What is an artcle?

• An article (abbreviated ART) is a word (or prefix or


suffix) that is used with a noun to indicate the type of
reference being made by the noun (Article, 2014).
UHCL Writing Center
How do we use articles?

• Used with countable nouns such as chair, dog, cat,


pencil, bottle, etc.
• Two types of articles: definite and indefinite
UHCL Writing Center
Definite article

• Definite article: “the”


• Used for very specific nouns; not just any pencil, but the
yellow pencil.
• The blue dog, the black cat, the chair which is next to the
couch
• Can be used with singular objects (The purple scarf) or
plural (the dogs).
UHCL Writing Center
Indefinite article

• Indefinite article: “A” and “An”


• “A” is used before nouns that begin with a consonant; “an” is
used before nouns that begin with a vowel.
• Used for more general, vague nouns: “Hand me a pencil.” (any
pencil.)
• An elephant, a dog, a chair, an apple
• Used only with singular objects
• Think of replacing “a” or “an” with “one.”
• Also used when first mentioning something: “A butterfly landed
on my dog’s nose. The butterfly was pink.”
UHCL Writing Center
When we do not use articles

• We don’t use indefinite articles in front of non-countable nouns. These


include abstract concepts such as happiness, harmony, sadness,
irony, justice, etc.
• The definite article can be used if indicating the instance in which it occurred:
“The sadness she felt at his passing”
• We don’t use indefinite articles with nouns that are described in
quantities, such as liquids or large amounts of small solids such as
beans, sand, dirt, etc. We can, however, use the definite article: “The
brown dirt,” “the cold water,” etc.
• Names, pronouns, and proper nouns
• When being general: “I like water” (any/all water) “Cats are small”
(any/all cats)
UHCL Writing Center
Examples:

• I am the happy I am happy


• Give me a water Give me a glass of water. The water
is cold!
• I am happy to see the Susie! I am happy to see Susie!
UHCL Writing Center
Some exceptions

• Some non-countable nouns can take the indefinite article.


• Examples: “We came to an understanding”
• If the name of a location is descriptive and contains a
countable noun, use the definite article.
• Examples: “The United States of America,” “The University of
Houston-Clear Lake,” “The Writing Center”
• If a name is being described as though it is a countable noun,
it can take the definite article.
• Example: “The Clear Lake that I know has lots of good restaurants;”
(instead of “the place”) “You are not behaving like the Brandon that I
know.” (instead of “the person”)
UHCL Writing Center
How to decide in your own
writing
• First, look at your noun. Is it countable or non
countable?
• Example: “I want to describe a cat. ‘Cat’ is a countable
noun.”
UHCL Writing Center
Step two:

• Next, decide if it is the first time something has been


mentioned.
• If it is, use the indefinite article.
UHCL Writing Center
Step three:

• Are you being specific about the noun, or general?


• Example: “Yes; I am talking about a specific cat.”
UHCL Writing Center
Step four:

• If you are describing a specific noun, use the definite


article. If you are being more vague, use the indefinite
article.
• Example: “I have a black cat. The cat chased the grey
mouse.”
• Example with indefinite article: “I saw a cat chase a
mouse today.”
UHCL Writing Center
References

Article (grammar). (n.d.). Retrieved November 24, 2014


from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_
%28grammar%29
UHCL Writing Center
Thank you

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