Definite and Indefinite Articles

Definite and Indefinite Articles

1. A/An

   • Used with indefinite singular count nouns
     • Our city needs a good zoo.
     • She wants to be an anthropologist
   • Used for object that are not specific
     • We say a gigantic lion on today's excursion
     • We also saw a giraffe
   • Used the first time we mention an object
     • I'm reading about an endengared animal.
     • I saw a movie last night

2. The

   • Used for specific objects or objects that both speaker and listener know
     • Can you give me the books on the table
   • Used with nouns that describe something unique
     • The sun gives us light and heat
     • The world is an interesting place
   • Used with names of many geographical features
     • The Netherlands

3. Zero article (no article)

   • Used with
     • Indefinite plural count nouns
       • This area used to have wild animals
     • Indefinitve non-count nouns
       • Platinum and gold are valuable minerals
     • Names of people
       • Mr. Jama is a zoologist
     • Names of countries and habitual locations
       • Ngorongoro Crater is found in Tanzania
       • People spend most of their time at work, at school, or at home

4. Generic nouns + Articles

   • A whale is a large marine mammal
   • Dogs are domestic mammals related to wolves and foxes
   • The rich are fortunate