Professions with the article. The use of articles a, an, the in English. Articles in English
Every language has rules and there are exceptions. The former are subject to explanation and logic, the latter to cramming. If you study english language, and Russian is your native language, you are incredibly lucky! You will have to cram less than you would if you mastered Russian.
Getting acquainted with such topics in English as modal verbs or articles, you may not agree with me: there are so many rules that your head is spinning. And yet, I will allow myself to insist on my own. The variety of use cases can be reduced to a few basic points, and in all other cases you need to be able to find the logic of the first. And, of course, the rest will have to be remembered. This article will focus on the most basic rules for using articles and situations where the article is not required at all.
As you know, in English language There are 2 types of articles: uncertain (a/an) - for countable entities. in the singular, which is omitted in the plural, and definite(the).
The logic of all the rules for the use of articles comes down to a few basic points.
Indefinite article
because is the former numeral a/an can be used only with countable nouns (which we can count):
a car, a cup, a lamp , a bottle, an apple
Have a drink. There is a bottle of wine in the fridge.
because this is the numeral "1", we can use a/anonly with countable singular nouns In plural the article disappears:
_ car s, _ cup s, _ lamp s, _ bottle s
Have a drink. There are (several) _ bottle s of wine in the fridge.
indefinite article a/an is an evolved Old English numeral "one". This fact determines 2 basic rules for the use of this article.
indefinite article highlights one item out of many like it, no different from it. You have little information about him.
I had a sandwich for breakfast.
There is a book on the table.
Definite article
Like indefinite, it came from Old English, which had demonstrative pronoun that. And if you point to something, then your interlocutor will immediately understand what kind of subject it is, and any uncertainty disappears. Definite the article is called definite because it is clear from the situation what person / object / event you are talking about
The sandwich that I ate for breakfast(identifies which particular sandwich was bad) was obviously bad. I feel sick now.
The book on the table(book on the table) is the Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
And now about situations when the article is not needed at all
The article is not put if
If you have uncountable noun and you do general statement
_ Love is a wonderful feeling.
_ Coffee is good for your health when consumed in moderation.
I often listen to _ music.
The word is part of an expression that is an exception and must be remembered
What did you have for breakfast?
It's time to go to bed now.
However ATTENTION! There are a number of expressions that will be used either without an article or with a definite article, depending on the situation and the meaning that you put in. These are expressions containing words prison, hospital, school, university, church and some others.
If we get into one of these institutions and use them, so to speak, for their intended purpose, that is, serving time (prison), undergoing treatment (hospital), receiving general education (school) or studying a specific specialization (university), reading prayers and confessing (church), then in all expressions with these words there will be no article. In all other cases, an article is needed. Compare:
Table. The use of the article with the names of institutions in English
Now for a little practice. Here are a number of combinations with articles. It is necessary to explain the use of this or that article.
Why do we say:
- Can you turn off the light, please? - Because it is clear that the light must be turned off in the room where the speaker is
- I took a taxi to the station. Because not just to any station, but a station in this city, and you go to a particular bus or railway station
- Do you like _ Chinese food? Chinese food/cuisine - General term consisting of an uncountable noun and an adjective
- I'd like to talk to the manager please. - Because the store has one general manager to whom you can contact with questions, complaints, etc.
- The sun is a star. Because there are many different stars, and the sun is one of them.
- I often go to the cinema/theatre. - Probably, it happened historically: earlier in the cities, if there were cinemas or theaters, then, so to speak, in a single copy. Therefore, when you say that you are going to the cinema, there were no questions about which one.
- I must go to the bank. - You apply to the bank in which you have an account, and not to any.
- I listen to _ classical music from time to time. - Classical music - general concept, consisting of an uncountable noun and an adjective
- Is there a bank near here? - This is a situation in which you do not care which bank branch to contact. For example, when you are abroad and you need to withdraw money from the card.
- I work in the city centre. - There is only one center in the city.
- Can you tell the time? - You want to know the current time
- _ Doctors are paid more than _ teachers. - Doctors in general. You can also say: A doctor is paid more than a teacher.
- Who is the best player in your team? There is only one best player. When you talk about the very best(superlative degree) - the very best, the biggest, the most beautiful, the most interesting etc. always use the.
I repeat once again that you can read about stable combinations with one article or another in any grammar textbook, all other cases are amenable to the logic outlined above. Language, after all, is a pretty logical thing, and sometimes doing a grammar test is akin to solving mathematical equations or logic puzzles. Therefore, turn on the logic, remember the exceptions, and the articles will submit to you!
In many foreign languages there is such a thing as an article. To start learning grammar from this topic will be a good option for those who want to know English. The article (the rule of use will help to understand the question) is a service part of speech in English. It shows certainty or indefiniteness. Further in the text, the rules for its use are given when the article a (an), the is omitted.
Types of articles
There are two types of articles in English:
- definite - the;
- indefinite - a (an) (two forms).
The definite article shows that we are talking about some well-known or familiar subject that is more individualized, somehow stands out from others. And the indefinite one indicates a more generalized meaning or an object that appears in the text for the first time. Examples:
The girl has a dog./The girl has a dog.
From this sentence, it can be understood that we are talking about a specific girl who is already familiar to the reader and she was previously mentioned in the text, but the word “dog” is more generalized, which dog is unknown.
Origin
We have already found out that in English there is such a part of speech as the article: a (an), the. They originally came from other words and to some extent retained their old meaning.
For example, the definite article is an abbreviated form of the word that (that, that), which is why it carries such a specific meaning.
It comes from the word one (someone, some).
Definite article
In English, the definite article has two functions: the first of them is concretizing, and the other is generalizing. And this part of speech is used if a person knows exactly what subject is being discussed, or if this subject is unique.
The definite article in a concretizing meaning
- It is used if one object stands out from the whole set, it has some excellent parameters, it is distinguished by a unique case, context. Before adjectives in
He is the best player in our team./He is the best player in our team.
- Placed before the words following, last, next, only and very. They make the noun more specific.
And not the next day. / And not the next day.
- Superlative adjectives are also preceded by the definite article.
It is the worst day in my life. / This is the worst day in my life.
The definite article in a general sense
- In generalizing - when a noun can be attributed to a whole kind of objects.
Examples include the German Shepherd - the double coat is straight, and short length./For example, a German Shepherd. The coat has two characteristics: straight and short in length.
Here we are talking about all dogs belonging to a particular breed.
- Omitted if replaced by a possessive pronoun.
She sure had some love for her German Shepards.
- If you can put the word "this" before the noun.
The hotel also features easy access to the several subway stations./The hotel is also easily accessible from several subway stations.
- When specifying the era, significant events.
The First World War./The First World War.
- Before uncountable nouns, only if we are talking about a certain amount of substance.
And then the farmer has to find another way to deliver the juice.
- Before the names of body parts.
The hand
- Before social classes and strata of society.
The police./Police officers.
The definite article with proper nouns and some titles
It will help to better understand how to use articles with proper names and some names, the table below. All of the following words must be preceded by the definite article the.
proper names | Examples |
| Rivers | the Nakdong |
| Names of newspapers | the Washington Post |
| place names | the North Field |
| Objects from astronomy | the Moon |
| Mountain names | the Andes |
| cardinal directions | in the East |
Surnames in the plural (meaning all family members) | the Adamsons |
| Channels | the Nicaragua Canal |
| City districts | the West End |
| Nationalities | the Italian |
| Unique architectural structures | the Winter Palace |
| desert | the Bolivian |
| Names of reservoirs | the Black Sea |
| Ship names | the Aurora |
| Some countries | the Argentina |
| Nicknames | the Tall Ben |
Definite article. Plural
- If the definite article is used before a word in the singular, then it is placed before it in the plural.
You can bring the ball with, if you want.
You can bring the balls with, if you want./If you want, take the balls with you.
- Also, the article remains before the plural when it comes to a group as a whole.
The members of Golf club can breathe fresh air. fresh air. (Everyone can breathe fresh air).
Indefinite article a (an)
"a" is used if the first letter in the word is a consonant, "an" if it is a vowel:
- a table, a carpet, a dog / table, carpet, dog;
- an elephant, an eagle, an orange / elephant, eagle, orange.
Exceptions to the rule:
- the article "a" is always placed before words that begin with the letter "u" if it is pronounced /ju:/ (English is a universal language);
- before the words "one", "ones" the article "a" (a one-parent family) is always used;
- if abbreviations start with a consonant but read with a vowel (F is pronounced like /ef/), they are always preceded by the indefinite article "an" (an FBI agent).
Classifying, generalizing and numeral meaning of the indefinite article
- In expressive sentences, in exclamatory sentences that begin with the word what, the indefinite article is used.
What a great!
- With singular nouns preceded by words such as rather, quite, such, and most.
In a rather prescient way./Very far-sighted.
- If a noun is a generic value for the entire class, species, layer, etc., then it is preceded by an indefinite article. Most often, such a noun is at the beginning of a sentence and does not carry any important information. More significant details are described later in the text.
A newspaper text is a very laconic and relevant essay.
- In the numeral value, the article denotes its original meaning - one.
I can stay in Paris for only a day./I could stay in Paris for only a day. (Here it is clear that the particle -a can be replaced by one, the word from which the article a (an) was formed (the - from that). In this sentence, the particle takes its usual place).
Indefinite article a (an). Plural
Articles that are used before singular nouns are not used in the plural.
She had a book of astrology./She had a book on astrology.
She had two books./She had two books. (As you can see, the article is omitted).
Proper nouns and the article a (an)
The article a (an) is used before if they:
- unknown
A Mr. Anderson has come to see you./A certain Mr. Anderson has come to see you.
- used as a noun
You think, I am a Leonardoda Vinci?
- point to individual family members
It is no wonder; in fact, she is a Smith./No wonder, because she is a Smith.
- describe the position of a place or object
We saw a rebuild Rome. / We saw a rebuilt Rome.
In addition, there are stable expressions that, regardless of the context, never change and always remain in their place. These phrases just need to be learned:
a few / a few, it is a pity / sorry, a little / a little, etc.
When the article is not needed
In English there is such a thing as when it is absent in sentences before nouns. Above in the article, cases were already mentioned when the article is omitted. Let's look at a few more typical rules.
- If nouns are preceded by adjectives old / old, little / small, poor / poor, lazy / lazy, honest / honest.
She is little girl./She is a little girl.
- If there is no definition for a noun.
I do not like Peter. / I do not like Peter.
- Before titles, titles.
Lord Green./Lord Green.
Article exercises
To consolidate the acquired knowledge, you need to do a few exercises. Then check your answers with the keys, analyze the errors. For example, you can do the task below.
Insert the missing article a (an), the:
Paris is … beautiful town./Paris is a beautiful city.
What "s going on? I think it's ... salute. / What's going on? I think it's a salute.
Britney Spears is … singer./Britney Spears is a singer.
This is Nick. He is … engineer./This is Nick. He is an engineer.
… spider has eight legs./Spiders have eight legs.
It is … tomato./This is a tomato.
I am ... nurse. / I am a nurse.
She is … best./She is the best.
To take … seat./Sit down.
In ... country. / In the country.
Answers to the exercise. How to correctly insert the article a (an), the:
1. a. 2. a. 3. a. 4. an. 5. a. 6.a. 7. a. 8. the. 9 a. 10. the.
It is used before singular and plural nouns when talking about something specific, specific.
The criminals robbed the bank . – The criminals robbed a bank (some specific one).
Please close the door. – Please close the door (not any door in the house, but this door).
In other words, if you can add “some” before a noun, then there will be an indefinite article, and if “the same \ those same” is suitable, then a definite one.
The definite article is also used with nouns that mean:
1. Something unique that exists in a single copy
the Sun - the sun,
the Columbia river - the Columbia River.
(for the article before proper names, see below)
2. Periods (segments) of time
in the morning - in the morning,
in the past - in the past.
3. Before superlative adjectives
the biggest mall in Moscow is the biggest mall in Moscow.
The article can quite strongly change the meaning of the whole sentence. For example:
I met a girl yesterday. – I met a girl on the street (I was just walking and saw some girl).
I met the girl yesterday. - I met a girl yesterday (I saw THAT girl, for example, the love of my life).
Zero articles in English
In some cases, the article is not used at all before the noun, for example:
1. Something very general is meant
Crime and punishment. Crime (in general) and punishment (in general).
life is strange. – Life is strange (life in general).
2. Before the names of the days of the week, months, seasons
See you on Monday. - See you on Monday.
August is the last month in summer. August is the last month of summer.
3. Before words denoting a meal
Let's have breakfast. - Let's have breakfast.
Lunch is ready. - Lunch is ready.
Article before proper names
Difficulties with the article arise when we are faced with the question of using articles before proper names. You must have noticed that, for example, there is no article before some geographical names, while others are preceded by the. Let us first consider when articles before proper names are not needed.
When the article is NOT placed before a proper name
In most cases, articles are not used before proper names. A proper name denotes a certain person or object, this is understandable without the article, so usually the article is not needed.
Here are examples of such cases:
1. Before names.
Jonh, Misha Sidorov, Lewis.
2. Before names with a form of address or title, degree, etc.
General Pupkin, Professor Pavlov, Mr. White.
3. Before common nouns that serve as an appeal.
In fact, they are treated as a proper name:
How are you doing, sergeant? How are you, sergeant?
How can I help you, professor? How can the professor help you?
4. Before the names of family members, if they are used by members of the same family.
In such cases, the words father, mother, sister, etc. used almost like proper nouns.
Let's see what mom says - Let's see what mom says.
I've got to ask father about it - I have to ask my father about it.
Note: the word "mother" in the USA is written mom, and in the UK mum.
When an article is needed before a proper name
There are cases when the article the is placed before proper names. There is not always a pattern in them, here are some typical cases:
1. Before surnames in the plural in the meaning of “family such and such”:
The Whites live in Albuquerque - The Whites (White family) live in Albuquerque.
Have you invited the Petrovs? - Did you invite the Petrovs (the Petrov family)?
2. Before some geographical names.
This is a rather confusing moment, because in the use of the article before toponyms there are patterns somewhere, somewhere not, and somewhere it is possible this way and that. For example, on maps, articles are never written before names to save space. Some of the common patterns and exceptions are well covered in this video from Puzzle English:
My personal note: I never tried to remember all the nuances of the use of articles before geographical names. And that's why. In speech, I use them very rarely, and if I use them, then they are the same (I'm from Russia). Even if I memorize everything that Anton says in the video, it’s still most I will safely forget, because this knowledge is rarely useful. I don’t see anything wrong with looking into the manual or googling in a difficult case. When I write in Russian, I often have to turn to reference literature (anyone who writes something by occupation will say the same), what can I say about foreign language.
English articles in set expressions
There are a number of set expressions in which the definite or indefinite article is used.
| Set expressions with the indefinite article A/AN | |
|---|---|
| a few | several |
| a little | a little |
| a lot of | a lot of |
| a great deal of | a lot of |
| a good deal | a lot of |
| as a rule | usually |
| as a result | as a result |
| as a matter of fact | as a matter of fact |
| at a speed of | with speed |
| at a time when | during the time when |
| for a while | for a while |
| for a long (short) time | for a long (short) time |
| in a low (loud) voice | quiet (loud) voice |
| to be in a hurry | hurry |
| to go for a walk | to go for a walk |
| to have a cold | to have a cold |
| to have a good time | have a good time |
| to have a mind | mean |
| to have a look | take a look |
| to have a smoke | smoke |
| to have a rest | relax |
| take a seat | sit down |
| to tell a lie | lie |
| It is a pity | it's a pity |
| It is a pleasure. | With pleasure. |
| What a shame! | What a disgrace! |
| Set expressions with definite article THE | |
| by the way | by the way |
| in the morning | in the morning |
| in the afternoon | afternoon |
| in the evening | in the evening |
| in the country | outside the city, in the countryside |
| in the past | in the past |
| in the present | present |
| in the future | in future |
| in the distance | away |
| in the plural | in plural |
| in the singular | in the singular |
| in the street | on the street |
| just the same | same |
| on the one hand…on the other hand | on the one hand on the other hand |
| on the right (left) | right left) |
| in the whole | in general, in general |
| out of the question | impossible, out of the question |
| on the other day | the other day (in relation to the past) |
| the day after tomorrow | day after tomorrow |
| the day before yesterday | the day before yesterday |
| to go to the theater (the cinema) | go to the theater (cinema) |
| to go to the country | to go out of town |
| to pass the time | spend time |
| to play the piano (guitar, violin, etc) | play the piano (guitar, violin, etc.) |
| to tell the truth | tell the truth (but speaking of lies - to tell a lie) |
| to tell the time | say what time it is |
| to the right (left) | right left) |
| What is the time? | What time is it now? |
| Set expressions WITHOUT the article | |
| to ask permission | ask permission |
| to be in bed | lie in bed, get sick |
| to be at home | be at home |
| to be at school | be at school |
| to be at table | to be at the table (for food) |
| to be in town | be in the city |
| to be on holiday | to be on vacation |
| to declare war | to declare a war |
| to go by water (air, sea, land) | travel by water (air, sea, land) |
| to go home | Go home |
| go to bed | go to sleep |
| to go to school | go to school (study) |
| to go to sea | become a sailor |
| to go to town | go to town |
| to keep house | housekeeping |
| to leave school | to graduate school |
| to leave town | leave the city |
| to make haste | hurry |
| to make use of | use |
| to play chess (cards, hockey, etc.) | play chess (cards, hockey, etc.) |
| to take care | take care |
| to take part | participate |
| to take place | take place |
| to go by bus (car, train) | travel by bus (car, train) |
| at breakfast (dinner, supper) | at breakfast (lunch, dinner) |
| at hand | at hand |
| at home | at home |
| at night | at night |
| at peace | in the world |
| at present | currently |
| at school | at school (in class) |
| at sunrise | at dawn |
| at sunset | On the Sunset |
| at table | at the table |
| at war | at war |
| at work | at work |
| by air | by air |
| by chance | by chance |
| by day | afternoon |
| by hand | by hand |
| by heart | by heart |
| by land | by land |
| by sea | by sea |
| by mail | by mail |
| by means of | through |
| by mistake | erroneously |
| by name | by the name |
| by night | at night |
| by phone | by phone |
| by post | by mail |
| by train (bus, taxi, etc.) | by train (bus, taxi, etc.) |
| in conclusion | Finally |
| in debt | in debt |
| in detail | detail |
| in fact | really |
| in mind | mentally |
| in time | in time |
| in trouble | in trouble |
| on board | on board |
| on business | on business |
| on credit | on credit |
| on deck | on deck |
| on foot | on foot |
| holiday | on holiday |
| on sale | on sale |
In English, the article is a service part of speech, which is used to express the category of certainty - uncertainty. “Definiteness” means that we know what specific subject or subjects are being discussed, and “uncertainty” means that we are talking about the subject for the first time. For example:
I have got a pen. The pen is red. - I have a pen. The handle is red.
In the first case, we mention the item for the first time and announce that we have it. In the second sentence, both the speaker and the listener already understand which pen we are talking about.
The article defines the noun and has no meaning of its own.
There are three types of articles in English: the indefinite article a/an, the definite article the, and zero, that is, the absence of an article.
The indefinite article a/an is used only with countable nouns, that is, everything that can be counted. It also shows that the subject is one.
I have got a book. - I have a book (just some book).
I see a cat. - I see a cat.
An is used in the same cases, but if the next word starts with a vowel:
It is an arm chair. - It's a chair.
It was an amazing day - It was a great day.
The zero article (or the absence of an article) also indicates indefiniteness, but is used before plural nouns and before uncountable nouns. Uncountable is that which cannot be counted. This category in English includes substances, materials, abstract concepts. For example, milk - milk, porridge - porridge, paper - paper (in the meaning of material).
Books are useful. - Books are useful (plural).
I like milk. - I like milk (a real noun).
He has a good memory. - He has a good memory (abstract noun).
It's made of glass. - It's made of glass (material).
The definite article the is used to show that the subject in question is already known. The article the can be used both with countable nouns in the singular and plural, and with uncountable nouns.
The juice I bought yesterday is very tasty. - The juice that I bought yesterday is very tasty (from the context it is clear what kind of juice we are talking about).
The book you gave me is very interesting. The book you gave me is very interesting.
I can't go home, I lost the keys. - I can't go home, I lost my keys (we understand that they mean specific keys - from his house).
Rules for using a/an, the and the zero article.
I. Use of the indefinite article a/an.
The most common use of the indefinite article is when we first mention a noun in a conversation.
I live in a flat. - I live in the flat.
- The article a/an is used in a classifying sense (i.e. it shows that the given object belongs to the class of homogeneous, similar objects)
This dog is a girl. This dog is a girl (not a boy).
- The article a/an is also used in a generalized sense (i.e. a noun denotes any item from a given class)
A tiger is an animal. – A tiger is an animal (any tiger is an animal).
- The following case of using the article a/an is for the quantitative characteristic of an object in the meaning of "one":
in a week - in a week (i.e. in one week)
However, if it is important for us to indicate the quantity, we should use one (one) instead of the indefinite article.
Only one student failed the exam. - Only one student did not pass the exam.
- The article a is used in exclamatory sentences after the words what (which, what for), quite (quite, completely), such (such), and before the word rather (quite), if they are followed by a countable noun in the singular:
What a lovely day today! What a wonderful day today!
Such a nice dress! - What a lovely dress!
A rather calm place! - Pretty quiet place! - The indefinite article can be used with names or surnames in the meaning of "some", "some", "someone":
A Brown called you when you were in the bathroom. “Some Brown called you while you were in the bathroom.
- In some set phrases, the article a is also used:
a few - a few
a great deal of - a lot
a little - a little
as a rule - as a rule
as a result - as a result
to be in a hurry - hurry
to be at a loss - to get lost
to go for a walk - go for a walk
to have a good day - have a good day
to have a good time - have a good time
it is a pity - sorry
on a large/small scale - on a large/small scale
to take a seat - sit down
to tell a lie - to lie
II. The use of the definite article the.
- The article the is used to distinguish an object, person or phenomenon from a class of similar ones. Such nouns can be preceded by a definition that will highlight the given word, expressed by an ordinal number or an adjective in a superlative degree:
That's the film I told you about. This is exactly the movie I was talking about.
Monday is the first day of the week. - Monday is the first day of the week.
It was the best birthday ever! - It was the best birthday ever! - The definite article is used to refer to a thing that is one of a kind:
the Sun
the Moon - the moon
the Earth - Also, the article the is used with parts of the world:
the East
the West - west
the North - north
the South - south - The article the can be used before surnames if all members of the family are meant:
the Browns - Browns (i.e. mom, dad, their children, grandparents, etc.)
- The definite article the must also be placed before the names of oceans, seas, rivers and mountain ranges:
the Atlantic Ocean - the Atlantic Ocean
the North Sea - North Sea
the Thames
the Alps - With the names of some countries and cities, you need to use the article the:
the United States of America - United States of America
the United Kingdom of Great Britain
the Russian Federation - Russian Federation
the Crimea
the Hague - The Hague - The definite article is placed before the names of newspapers and magazines:
the Times
the Washington Post - Some set phrases and expressions require the use of the article the:
the day after tomorrow - the day after tomorrow
the day before yesterday - the day before yesterday
in the morning (evening, afternoon) - in the morning (evening, afternoon)
on the whole - in general
out of the question - impossible / non-negotiable
to go to the theater (cinema) - go to the theater / cinema
to play the piano - play the piano
to tell the truth - tell the truth
III. The use of the zero article.
The zero article is used in the following cases:
- before proper names (names, surnames, names of countries and cities):
New York - New York
James Green - James Green
Russia - Russia - if there is a possessive pronoun before the noun - my, your, his, her, our, their:
This is my home - This is my home.
I know your address - I know your address.
His sister is a teacher - His sister is a teacher. - before uncountable nouns that fall under the category of real and abstract nouns (if they are indefinite):
He is fond of coffee. – He likes coffee.
But: Pass me the salt, please. - Pass me the salt, please (the specific salt that is on the table).
- before nouns that denote the names of the seasons and meals:
in winter - in winter
in July - in July
on Tuesday - on Tuesday
to have breakfast / dinner / lunch - breakfast / dinner / lunch - before the names of disciplines:
to study Physics/Mathematics/Chemistry/French - study physics/mathematics/chemistry/French
- before nouns denoting family members, or which are used as addresses:
Goodbye teacher! - Goodbye, teacher!
Dad, look! - Dad, look! - in some stable combinations and expressions:
at breakfast - at breakfast
at first - first
at home - at home
at sea - at sea
at school - at school (meaning the educational process)
at table - at the table (during meals)
by bus/train/car/plane/sea
by heart - by heart
by chance - by chance
by name - by name
by means of - by means of something
in/on time - during
in fact - in fact / in fact
on sale - on sale
to go to bed - go to bed
to tell lies - tell a lie / lie
There are also a number of special cases of using the articles a/an, the and the zero article.
- With the names of the seasons:
In the simplest case, the name of the season is preceded by zero article
In summer I like to go to the beach. In the summer I like to go to the beach.
It was spring. - It was spring.If the seasons are preceded by adjectives early, late (early, late), it is also necessary to put the zero article
It was late autumn. - It was late autumn.
if the sentence has a definition related to the season, you need the definite article the
The winter of 2001 was really cold. The winter of 2001 was really cold.
after the words during, for, through, it is also necessary to put the article the
We stayed with friends for the summer. We stayed with friends for the summer.
During the autumn he often came to see me. In the autumn he often came to me.if there is a descriptive definition before the seasons, the indefinite article a/an is required
It was a rainy autumn. - It was a rainy autumn.
- Articles with the names of the time of day
if the word denotes daylight or darkness, the zero article is used
Night came and we couldn't see anything. Night fell and we didn't see anything.
if the time of day is preceded by the prepositions at, after, by, before, till, until, towards, past, since, the zero article is required
We have been waiting for you since morning. We have been waiting for you since morning.
If the names of the time of day are part of a compound predicate, then they are preceded by a zero article
It was night. - It was night.
if they are preceded by adjectives early, late (early, late), the zero article is also used
It was early morning. - It was an early morning.
If the time of day is preceded by the words yesterday, tomorrow, as well as the names of the days of the week, then there will also be a zero article
We will need the computer tomorrow morning. We will need a computer tomorrow morning.
The zero article is also used in set expressions:
all day / night long - all day / all night long
day after day - day after day
night after night - every night
day in, day out - from time to time
from… till… - from… to…
from… to… - from… to…
day and night - day and nightif there are descriptive definitions before the times of the day, then the indefinite article a / an is put
It was a frosty night. - It was a cold night.
If there is a restrictive definition, then you need to use the definite article
The night of that day was really noisy. The night of that day was really noisy.
The definite article is put after the prepositions in, during, through
During the night we heard our neighbor's dog barking. We heard the neighbor's dog barking at night.
- Articles with meals
As a rule, the zero article is used with meals. But:
if there is a definition, the article the is necessary
The breakfast you made was delicious. The breakfast you prepared was great.
if by eating we mean directly food, we also need the definite article the
The dinner was awful. - Dinner was terrible. (That is, I did not like any of the dishes)
if there is a descriptive definition, put the indefinite article a/an
He made a great lunch for me. He prepared a wonderful lunch for me.
- Articles with the names of diseases
As a rule, the names of diseases do not require the use of an article, since diseases belong to the category of uncountable nouns. Some of them:
AIDS - AIDS;
anemia - anemia;
appendicitis - appendicitis;
bronchitis - bronchitis;
chicken pox (chickenpox) - chickenpox;
dermatitis - dermatitis;
diabetes - diabetes mellitus;
diphtheria - diphtheria;
food poisoning - food poisoning;
hypertension - hypertension, high blood pressure;
hypotension - hypotension, low blood pressure;
influenza - influenza;
insomnia - insomnia;
leukaemia - leukemia;
meningitis - meningitis;
pneumonia - pneumonia;
sclerosis - sclerosis;
sinusitis - sinusitis;
tuberculosis - tuberculosis;
tonsillitis - tonsillitis, tonsillitis.But there are cases when you can use the article the or the article a / an. For example:
The definite article the can be used with:
the measles - measles
the mumps - pig
the flu
the plague - plagueSymptoms of the disease are used with the indefinite article a / an:
a runny nose - runny nose
a sore throat - sore throat - Articles with the words school, college, university, prison, class, bed, church.
if the listed words are used in the meaning of "building, organization", then you must use the definite article the
Mr. Brown is in the hospital. Mr Brown is in the hospital. (i.e. it is inside the hospital building).
Susan's mother will come to the school today - Susan's mother will come to school today.If these words mean learning activities or another process associated with this place, then no article is put.
Mr. Brown is in hospital. - Mr. Brown is in the hospital (that is, he is being treated there).
Mike is in prison. - Mike is in prison (i.e. he is a prisoner).
She was in church this morning. - She was in the church this morning (i.e. attended the service).
Susan is at school. Susan is at school. (i.e. she studies there) - Articles with the word "sea"
· if the word "sea" is used in the meaning of "sea", as a geographical name, then the article the is needed.
the Baltic Sea - Baltic Sea
if the word "sea" is used in the meaning of the marine profession, then the zero article is necessary
to go to sea - go to sea
to be at sea - to be at sea - Articles with the words "town", "country"
If the words "town" and "country" are opposed to each other in meaning, then the zero article should be used in the expression in town (in the city), and the definite article in the expression in the country (in the village).
I will be in town tomorrow. - Tomorrow I'll be in the city.
We spent the weekend in the country. - We spent the weekend in the village.
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Indefinite article a/an in English (the indefinite article) has two forms:
a[ə] - used before consonants. That is, if the word begins with a consonant sound, it is used a:
a b ok, a t able, a m an, a g irl, a c computer, a t omato, a yacht [ jɒt], a unit[ ˈj uːnɪt]
an[ən] - used before vowels. That is, if the word begins with a vowel sound, it is used an:
an a pple, an e ngineer, an i dea, an o range, an a nswer, an hour [ˈ aʊə(r)]
Please note that the choice of the form of the indefinite article is determined not by spelling, but by pronunciation.For example, the word hour starts with a vowel, so we use the article an (an hour), although the first letter is a consonant h. Or, for example, the word yacht (yacht) spelled with a vowel y, but the consonant sound [j] is pronounced, so we choose a (a yacht). Usage different forms the same article helps to make speech harmonious, light, natural. Try to pronounce a apple or an book and you will feel how difficult and uncomfortable it is.
Remember:
Indefinite article a/an used only with in the singular:a pen(a pen), a story(story), a chair(chair), a child(child), a flower(flower)
If the noun is used in the plural form, then the indefinite article is absent. The absence of an article before a noun is commonly referred to as the "zero article".
pens(pens), stories(stories), chairs(chairs), children(children), flowers(flowers)
When the indefinite article a / an is used
Below you will find a description of the main uses of the indefinite article. a/an in English.
№1
Indefinite article a/an used when we first mention an object or person. In this case, we assume that our interlocutor does not know what or who we are talking about.
Yesterday I bought a handbag. — I bought a bag yesterday.
Up until this point, I hadn't even said that I was going to buy a bag. That is, I mention this for the first time (my interlocutor does not know anything about this bag), hence the indefinite article a/an.
If you continue to talk about this bag, then the noun handbag (bag) will already be used with the definite article the, since this time the interlocutor knows which particular bag we are talking about:
Yesterday I bought a handbag. The handbag is very beautiful. — I bought a bag yesterday. The handbag is very beautiful.
Although most often a personal pronoun is used instead of a noun, it sounds more natural and avoids repetition:
Yesterday I bought a handbag. It is very beautiful. — I bought a bag yesterday. She is very beautiful.
№2
Indefinite article a/an is used when we are not talking about a given (specific) object or person, but simply about any, about some, about one of a group of the same objects or people. In other words, when we talk about an object or a person in general, not meaning a specific skirt, work, handle or dog:
I want to buy a skirt. — I want to buy a skirt. (some kind of skirt, I don’t know which one yet; I only know that I want a skirt, not a dress)
He refused to look for a job. He refused to look for a job. (any job)
give me a pen, please. - Give me a pen, please. (any, any)
It is a dog. - This is a dog. (some dog, any dog)
When we are not talking about a certain object or person, but about any, then further, if we need to re-designate it, we do not use personal pronouns or the definite article the. Again, we use the indefinite article a/an or pronoun one.
She wants a car but he says they don't need one. She wants a car, but he says they don't need it.
or
She wants a car but he says they don't need a car. She wants a car, but he says they don't need a car.
She wants to have a car (not a motorcycle, not a bicycle, but some kind of car, so a car), but he says that they do not need a car (they do not need any car at all, and not some specific one). Since in the second part of the sentence we are again talking about any / indefinite machine, we again use a car.
№3
Indefinite article a/an we also use to describe or give some information about what has already been mentioned before. In this case, an adjective is often used before the noun. Note that although the article comes before the adjective, it refers to the noun:
It is a beautiful place. - It beautiful place. (describe what this place is)
He is a clever boy. - He is a smart boy. (characterize what kind of boy he is)
Do you live in a big house? - Do you live in big house? (we ask which house)
When we talk about a person's profession or work, we also use the indefinite article a/an:
She is a teacher. - She is a teacher.
I am a doctor. - I am a doctor.
№4
Historically indefinite article a/an derived from the numeral one (one). Hence the possibility in some cases to replace the article a/an numeral one. Such a substitution is possible when the article a/an essentially means "one". For example, this meaning of the indefinite article is observed in numerals a hundred (one hundred), a thousand (thousand), a million (million) and in the word a dozen (dozen) when they are used alone or before a noun:
This toy costs a thousand rubbles. = This toy costs one thousan d rubbles. This toy costs a thousand rubles (one thousand rubles).
give me a dozen, please. = Give me one dozen, please. - Give me a dozen, please (one dozen).
It is with the origin of the numeral one (one) and the meaning of the singularity of the indefinite article is connected, which is especially evident when expressing measures of time, distance, weight or quantity:
This chocolate bar costs a dollar. This bar of chocolate costs a dollar. (=one dollar, we can replace a dollar on the one dollar)
I'll call you in an hour. - I'll call you in an hour. (=in one hour, we can replace an hour on the one hour)
Can I have a kilo of tomatoes, please? — Can I have a kilo of tomatoes, please? (=one kilogram, we can replace a kilo on the one kilo)
Please note that the numeral one instead of the article a/an should be used only if you want to emphasize that it is about one object or person, that is, when you want to be very precise:
I have got one sister. - I have one sister. (not two sisters, not three, but only one)
I have got a sister. - I have a sister. (in this case, I'm just reporting that I have a sister)
The meaning of the singularity of the indefinite article can be seen in some stable phrases that convey the one-time action:
have a look- take a look
have a snack- have a snack
have a try- try, try
have a rest- relax
have a good time- have a good time
give a chance- give a chance
give a hint- hint
give a lift- give a ride
make a mistake- make a mistake
play a trick- play a trick
№5
Indefinite article a/an also used when it is necessary to indicate the quantity per unit of measure. For example, when we talk about the price of oranges per kilogram, the amount of wages per month, the number of classes per week, or the speed of a car per hour. The noun denoting this very one unit of measurement will be used with the indefinite article.
The oranges were 80 rubles a kilo. - Oranges cost 80 rubles per kilogram.
She works 8 hours a day. She works 8 hours a day.
I go to aerobics twice a week. — I go to aerobics twice a week.
№6
Indefinite article a/an can also be used with some uncountable abstract nouns (for example, humor - humor, hatred - hatred, anger - anger, magic - magic) when they carry an adjective. Usually such use of the indefinite article is characteristic of the book style and expresses the author's desire to emphasize the individual, special character of this or that abstract concept.
Note that in the case described above, the use of the indefinite article is optional. If you do not want to emphasize in a certain way the special character of any emotion, character trait, etc., the article a/an may not be used.
On a note
To learn how to use the indefinite article a/an more or less automatically, try forming this rule in your head: use the indefinite article with singular countable nouns when there is no other reason to use the definite article the or some other determiner (possessive or indefinite pronoun).