DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE ARTICLES

DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE ARTICLES

1. Indefinite article

   • indefinite singular count nouns.
     • a/an
     • EXAMPLE
       • I'd like an orange and two lemons please.
       • An elephant and a mouse fell in love.

2. Zero article

   • Indefinite plural count nouns
     • EXAMPLE
       • I bought new pens and pencils at the store.
       • Cats have big eyes that can see in the dark.
   • Indefinite non-count nouns
     • EXAMPLE
       • I bought milk and rice at the store.
   • Names of people
     • EXAMPLE
       • He is a fan of Michael Jackson.
       • Yesterday I saw Tim Smith.
   • Names of most countries
     • EXAMPLE
       • London is the capital of Great Britain.
       • This mountain range is the highest in Europe.
   • habitual locations
     • EXAMPLE
       • People spend most of their time at work, at school, or at home

3. Definite article

   • definite article the
     • Non-count nouns
       • EXAMPLE
         • The advice you gave me was very helpful.
     • Singular and plural nouns
       • EXAMPLE
         • The book that I read last night was great
     • An adjective can often make a noun represent something unique
       • First, last, only, right, wrong
         • EXAMPLE
           • It was the first study to address the issue.
       • Comparative and superlative forms of adjectives
         • EXAMPLE
           • She was the weakest participant.
     • Inventions, musical instruments, parts of the body
       • EXAMPLE
         • The left and right sides of the brain have different functions.
         • I'm learning to play the guitar.

4. Indefinite

   • when we do not have a particular person, place, or thing in mind
     • Non-specific
       • One out of many members of the same group
         • EXAMPLE
           • He was a tiger on the basketball court.
     • Generic
       • all members of a class or category of persons
         • EXAMPLE
           • Lions normally have tawny yellow coats.

5. Definite

   • We know which particular person, place, or thing is being talked about
     • EXAMPLE
       • The matter is in my hands and is clear and definite in my head.