Articles A / An / The

Articles - A An TheArticles in English are complicated, and there are many rules for their use. However, learning a few general rules about the use of the articles is helpful; the logic of these rules can be transferred to most uses of the article. In addition to learning the rules, you can gain a good working use of the articles through reading and listening. Remember that the article is not stressed, so don't listen for its full value! Also, ask native speakers to help you when you don't know whether or not to use the article.

Subject Exercises:A / AN / THE Worksheets

Table of ArticlesNUMBERINDEFINITEDEFINITESingular a / anthePlural nothingtheNon-Countnothingthe

Quick Hintsa before consonants (a book)an before vowels (an exam) Pronunciation is what matters.an hour ('h' is silent and it's pronounced: an our)

Temporary illnesses: (I have a headache, a cold, a fever, a backache)"The" with superlative forms (He is the smartest kid I have seen.)

Some Rules using Articles

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 RulesAdjectives as Nouns

When referring to a group of people by use of an adjective rather than a noun, use "the".

the elderlythe disabledthe unemployedthe richthe sickthe needythe homelessthe youngthe restless

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

The United StatesThe Soviet Union The Republic of Congo AmericaRussiaSpainJapanChinaMexico

Cities and Streets use nothingChicagoFifth Avenue San FranciscoHighway 5LondonKennedy blvd.

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

the Amazonthe Atlantic the Mediterranean the Cascadesthe Hawaiian Islandsthe Bahamas

NumbersCardinal numbers(1,2,3) use nothingWorld War 2Page 7 Chapter 1Mission 1 Paragraph 5 Channel 6 Ordinal numbers (1st,2nd,3rd) use "the"The Second World Warthe seventh pagethe first chapterthe first mission the fifth paragraph the sixth channel

Titles of PeopleWhen a title is given with a name, use nothingPresident MitchaelQueen Mary Professor Scott

When a title is used without a name, use "the"

The presidentthe queen the professor

Schools

When a school has "of" in its title, use "the"

The University of ArizonaThe University of LondonChapter 2

When a school does not have "of" in its title, use nothing

Lincoln High SchoolArizona State University Liverpool John Moores University

Location versus ActivityWhen referring to an activity, use nothingI 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 THEthe earththe human racethe world the moon the sun the universe

Part of a larger group, Use THE-One of the students-None of the students-Both of the students-All of the studentsYou are here: >> Home >>English Grammar Lessons >>ArticlesGrammarBank Video ExercisesSee Our eBooksGrammarBank Exercises eBook

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