Spelling of articles in English. Article in English
The article is a functional part of speech in English. Always used with a noun and refers to the inherent characteristics of the noun. There are some rules for using articles in English.
Indefinite article
There are two forms of the indefinite article: a and an.
This article originates from the ancient Greek numeral “an”, which translates as “one”. The consequence of this is that it is used only before countable nouns used in the singular. When using the plural, the article an is not used or can be replaced by some pronouns such as some and any.
The indefinite article a is used:
1) before consonants (a blade - blade, a tree - tree, a garden - garden);
2) before the letter u (a university - university, a universe - universe, a utility - benefit);
3) before the letter h (a horse - horse, a helmet - helmet, a hero - hero).
The indefinite article an is used:
1) before the vowels o, i, a, e (an apple - apple, an elephant - elephant, an ivory - ivory);
2) before the letter u [^] (an uncle - uncle, an umbrella - umbrella, an unambiguity - unambiguity).
Definite article
The definite article has one form, the. The origin of this article goes back to the word that (that). This article can be used with both plural and singular nouns.
There are also rules for the use of articles in English in relation to certain groups of nouns.
The article is not used before the names of squares and streets. This rule also applies to the names of metro stations, airports and parks. For example: Fifth Avenue - 5th Avenue, Red Square - Red Square, Domodedovo Airport - Domodedovo Airport.
When using hotel names in speech or writing, the definite article is usually used: the Hotel Riga - Riga Hotel, the Hotel Europe - Europe Hotel, the Hotel Hennies - Hennies Hotel.
The use of names of days of the week, months and seasons requires some care in relation to articles.
1) So, the names of the days of the week are used without articles. The same applies to the names of months and seasons, found both in pure form and in combination with some frequently used adjectives (last - past, next - next). Examples: last winter - last winter, in summer - in summer, on Monday - on Monday.
2) If we are talking about situations that are facts, that is, some description is being made, then the indefinite article is used. Examples: It was a rainy week in Moscow (This week in Moscow was rainy). I saw some trees in the garden on a Sunday (on one of the Sunday this year) (I saw some trees in the garden on Sunday).
3) If we are talking about a strictly defined situation or event, then the article the is used with the names of seasons, months and days of the week. Often such sentences refer to an exact date or time period. Examples: The meeting was in the January of 2012 (The meeting was in January 2012). New company was located in the winter (The company was founded in winter).
The use of words denoting times of day also has its own characteristics in terms of the use of articles.
1) The article the is used when talking about a certain period of the day. Examples: The morning is good time to do exercises. The night was cold (The night was cold).
2) The article the is also used if the noun occurs with the preposition in. Examples: I saw you in the evening (I saw you in the evening). The sun shines in the morning (The sun shines in the morning).
3) If these nouns perform the function of a complement in a sentence, then they are used without an article. Examples: I wish it was morning (It’s a pity that it’s not morning). He likes evening (He loves evenings).
4) In combination with prepositions, they are used without articles (by day - during the day, at night - at night, from morning till night - from morning to evening).
5) When using an adjective together with a similar noun, use the indefinite article. Examples: What a wonderful day! It was a terrible evening (It was a terrible evening).
When using words that describe objects that are unique and unique, the definite article is used (the moon - the moon, the earth - the earth, the sun - the sun).
There are also some noun combinations that do not use an article. A characteristic feature of such combinations is the repetition of the same noun (from time to time - from time to time, day by day - day after day).
When using geographical names, the definite article the is used (this applies to the names of rivers, seas, oceans, mountains, states, cities). Examples: the Altai - Altai, the Ukraine - Ukraine, the Gulf of Mexico - Gulf of Mexico.
Hello my wonderful readers!
You can probably guess which word is the most frequently used in English, right? Of course it is article "the". And today we will analyze where its use in English is appropriate and where it is not. We will study the rules for its use, look at numerous examples, and analyze a table with set expressions that you can always have at hand. And then you can go to and to consolidate everything you've learned here.
Go ahead, friends!
A little grammar
If the article “a” (more about it!) is used only with nouns that can be counted, then “the” is used with all nouns: and in the only one, and in plural; with both countable and uncountable objects .
By the way, the pronunciation of the article also changes depending on which letter the next word begins with. If the word begins with a consonant, then the article is pronounced as [ðə], for example the banana - banana. But if an object begins with a vowel, it is pronounced like [ði], for example, the apple - apple.
When to use
- If in speech or writing subject already mentioned, then in the future you can use this article with it.
I received an e-mail from my friends. The letter told me that they would visit me on the weekend.- I received a letter from my friends. The letter said that they would visit me on the weekend.
- With unique items that are one of a kind, we also use the - the sun, the moon, the Earth.
The moon today is extremely beautiful.- The moon is incredibly beautiful today.
- The article has a special relationship with geographical names. With names rivers, deserts, oceans, island groups and mountain ranges We can confidently use the article, but we must not forget about exceptions. I talk about them in great detail.
The Atlantic Ocean is the most beautiful ocean on the planet.- The Atlantic Ocean is the most beautiful ocean on the planet.
The Comoro Islands attract lots of tourists every year.- The Comoros Islands attract many tourists every year.
- With titles hotels, cinemas, ships, museums, galleries and newspapers We most often also use the definite article.
The Hilton hotel is about to open in our city.- A Hilton hotel is about to open in our city.
The Louvre is the most attended museum in Europe.- The Louvre is the most visited museum in Europe.
- With adjectives of the highest degree of comparison: the most, the best, the worst.
The most beautiful place I’ve ever been is Japan in spring.- The most beautiful place I have ever seen is Japan in spring.
The best books I’ve ever read were about Harry Potter.- The best books I have read are Harry Potter.
- With musical tools and names dancing.
The violin is my most beloved musical instrument.- The violin is my favorite musical instrument.
The contemporary has become very popular among dancers some years ago.- Contempo became very popular among dancers several years ago.
When not to use
Knowing when the definite article is used is extremely important, but it is also equally important to know when it is used. Not used.
- With plural nouns that can't be counted when we tell something general.
Trees produce oxygen.- Trees produce oxygen. (Any trees, in general)
- With names own and before names we never use it.
Jinny is very talented. She can play 3 different musical instruments.- Ginny is very talented. She can play three different instruments.
- With titles countries, cities, streets, parks, mountains, lakes, bridges and islands we try to avoid it.
Spain is mostly famous for its football club Barcelona. - Spain is mainly known for its football club Barcelona.
I dream of climbing Everest.- I dream of climbing Everest.
- With names sports, activities, games, colors, days, months, drinks, lunches he's not friendly.
I can speak Turkish a little.- I can speak a little Turkish.
I was born in July. - I was born in July.
My favorite color is green. - Green is my favorite color.
- If we have pronouns this, that, those- We Not we use "the". In addition, with possessive We also do not use pronouns (and the possessive case in general!).
This the ball was signed by a famous football player.- This ball was signed by a famous football player.
Kathy's dress is ready. I've already cleaned it.- Casey's dress is ready. I cleaned it yesterday.
- With words school, church, hospital, college, university, court, prison we use it or we don't use it depending on the meaning. Let's see an example:
I go to school from Monday to Friday.- I go to school from Monday to Friday. (as a student)
My mother went to the school for a meeting. - My mother went to school for a meeting. (As a parent, not as a student)
- With titles diseases we can also use or do not use article.
I've got (the) flu. - I got sick.
Set expressions
Both the and a form stable expressions that cannot be changed in any way. So let's get to know them (By the way, if you need general information about articles in the English language, then you should).
I am sure that now that you have a hint in the form of a table and structured rules in your hands, it will be much easier for you to master the ones that I have prepared for you. And after them you can move on. Practice as much as possible, study, learn new rules and improve your English.
And I’m ready to help you with this. The materials on my blog are constantly updated, and my subscribers receive them even before they appear on the site. I’m waiting for you there to share important materials with the very first.
And for today I say goodbye.
A And an are called the indefinite article. The is called the definite article.
Indefinite article a used before words beginning with a consonant: a face a camera a used before u And eu when they are pronounced like y (/j/): a university, a euro.
Indefinite article an used before words starting with a vowel sound: an arm, an onion Also the indefinite article an used before words starting with h, When h unreadable: an hour, an honor.
A series of articles will soon appear on the blog in which the use of articles will be discussed in detail. This article only covers the main points.
A/an
Indefinite article a/an came from the numeral one, and is used only with singular countable nouns.
The indefinite article is used in the following cases:
- When we talk about a person and an object that mentioned for the first time, and is unknown to the interlocutor or reader.
I've been to a concert recently. — I recently went to a concert.
I live in a small town. - I live in a small town.
- When we talk about any a person or object from some class.
A triangle has three sides. — A triangle has three sides.
- With titles professions or type of activity.
My brother is a pilot, and I am a student. — My brother is a pilot, and I am a student.
The
the derived from the demonstrative pronoun that, and is used with countable nouns in both singular and plural.The definite article is used in the following cases:
- When we talk about a person or thing that previously mentioned in conversation or text.
I went outside and saw a car parked in front of my house. The car seemed familiar. — I went outside and saw a car parked in front of my house. The car seemed familiar to me.
- When it is clear from the context or situation that which one exactly person or thing we are talking about.
I'm going to the supermarket. — I'm going to the supermarket (the one where I usually go).
Could you open the window? — Please open the window (the window in this room).
- When we talk about a person or thing, one of a kind.
The Moon revolves around the Earth in an elliptical orbit. — The Moon revolves around the Earth in an elliptical orbit.
- With adjectives in excellent degrees.
You are the best mom ever! - You are the best mother.
5. With many expressions with of.
In the middle of the night
At the end of my holiday
The and absence of article
The is used in the following cases:
- In the names of countries that are formed using the plural, or in which there are words kingdom or Republic.
the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom
- With the names of everything related to water: oceans, rivers, seas, bays, straits (except for the names of individual lakes, which are used without an article)
the Baltic Sea, the British Channel, the Pacific Ocean, the Persian Gulf
- With the names of mountain ranges (the names of individual mountain peaks are used without an article).
the Alps, the Apennines
- With names of parts of the day.
in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening
- With many prepositions of place and time.
on the right, at the bottom
The article is not used in the following cases:
- With the names of most countries, cities and continents
Asia, Saudi Arabia, Beijing
- With the names of individual mountain peaks and lakes
Mountblanc, Lake Titicaca
- With exact indications of day, month and time
on Monday, at nine o"clock, in July
- With some prepositional phrases of place
at work, at home, in bed
School, university, hospital, prison, church, etc.
Compare:
1. Tim is studying maths at university. — Tim is studying mathematics at the university.
There is a large park not far from the university. — Not far from the university there is a large park.
2. He won't be in hospital for two weeks. — He will be in the hospital for two weeks.
Is there a chemist's shop in the hospital? — Is there a pharmacy in the hospital?
3. The kids go to school by bus. — Children go to school by bus.
There was a fire at the school last year — Last year there was a fire at the school.
If someone is in school/hospital/prison, etc., because he is a student/patient/prisoner, then the article not used.
If someone is in a school/hospital/prison for some other reason, or if we mean a building, then it is used the.
How well do you know this grammatical topic?
Test yourself! You can find all online tests on the rules for using articles.
Usually articles are not translated into Russian. However, in rare cases the context requires the translation of the indefinite article into words some, any, one of), and a certain one - that (same) or this one (the one):
She's murmured a name and the name was not John. - She whispered some name, And this name is was not John.
Let's consider three cases: when an indefinite or definite article is used before a noun, and when it is not used.
Indefinite article
Indefinite article a (an) came from the numeral one (one), so it is used only with singular nouns.
When changing a singular number to a plural, the article is omitted, and if a certain quantity is implied, then a pronoun is put instead of the article some:
Give me a book. - Give me books.
Give me an apple. - Give me some apples.
The indefinite article has a variant A, if it comes before a noun starting with a consonant: a s student; and option an- before a noun starting with a vowel: an a pple.
A noun with an indefinite article represents the name of an object in general, rather than the name of a specific object. For example a student evokes an idea of a student in general, that is, of a higher education student educational institution, but not about a specific person.
The meaning of the indefinite article can be expressed in Russian with words such as one, one of, some, any, some, every, any, each.
Rules of use
When it is possible to substitute before a noun according to its meaning some kind, any, one of:
There is a pen on the table. — There is a (some undefined) pen (one of the class of pens) on the table.
A child can understand it. - (Any) child can understand this;
When the value is saved one:
Wait a minute! - Wait one minute!
The indefinite article is used with singular countable nouns. Not used in the plural, sometimes replaced by indefinite pronouns some (several) any (any, everyone).
If there is a definition before a noun, then the article is placed before this definition: a story(story) an interesting story(interesting story).
Definite article
The definite article has a single form the and comes from the demonstrative pronoun that(That). It is used with nouns, both singular and plural.
Article the pronounced in two ways:
- [ðǝ] before nouns that begin with a consonant: the student[ðǝˊstju:dǝntJ;
- [ðɪ] before nouns that begin with a vowel: the evening[ðɪˊɪ:vnɪη].
The definite article is used:
When in front of a noun you can put this(most) or That(most):
That is the house that Jack built. - This is the house that Jack built.
Before singular nouns:
the sun - the sun;
the moon - the moon.
Before adjectives in superlatives:
the cleverest boy - the smartest boy;
the most difficult question - the most difficult question.
No article
The indefinite article is not used: before nouns in plural: an article - articles.
Real nouns uncountable: water (water), salt (salt), tea (tea)- nouns that cannot be counted, for example, you cannot say: three waters.
The article is not placed before the noun when it is used in the abstract sense:
Man is the head but woman is the neck. - The man is the head, the woman is the neck.
Therefore, abstract and real nouns are most often used without an article. But if these nouns are used in some specific meaning (as a part of a substance, a shade of feeling, a certain quality of a phenomenon), then they are used with a definite or indefinite article in accordance with the above rules:
Light was coming into the room from somewhere. — Light penetrated the room from somewhere.
Soon he saw a light in the distance. — Soon he saw in the distance some kind light.
The light was faint and uncertain. — This the light was weak and uncertain.
You may buy butter and bread in a shop. — You can buy butter and bread in any store.
The butter was bought in the nearest shop. — This the oil was purchased at a nearby store.
A coffee without bread can never serve as breakfast. — Any Coffee without bread cannot serve as breakfast.
Even proper names obey these rules:
Is that the John I knew many years ago? - Is this really the same one The John I knew years ago?
Florence will never, never, never be a Dombey. - Florence will never one of Dombey.
Using articles with other determiners
The indefinite article is used after words such- such, rather- enough, quite- at all, as- in quality, as well as after what(V exclamatory sentences) And half- half:
What a nice day! - What a beautiful day!
It’s rather a long way to the village. — It’s quite a distance from the village.
The definite article is used:
After
- pronouns both- both and all- All:
All the stories were interesting. — All the stories were interesting.
- phrases most of- majority, some of- some , many of- many , none of- none of:
Most of the gentlemen looked angry. — Most of the gentlemen looked angry.
Before in words: same- the same, wrong- not the one right- That, very- exactly that, only- the only one, next- next, last- last:
You are the very person I wanted. “You are exactly the person I need.”
If the word next used in the meaning future,a last - last, then they are used without articles and prepositions.
Compare:
What is the next question? - What will be the next question?
I"ll come here next year. - I will come here next year.
Note!
With other qualifiers such as possessive and demonstrative pronouns, as well as denial no articles are not used:
There is no book on the table. — There is no book on the table.
She puts on her hat and coat. — She puts on a hat and coat.
The use of articles with proper names
Proper names are used either with a definite article or without an article. Study the following table:
|
Semantic field |
With article the |
Without article |
|
Water spaces |
Rivers, seas, oceans, straits, bays - The Thames, the Atlantic Ocean, the Black Sea, the English Channel |
Lakes - Lake Ontario |
|
Mountain systems – The Urals |
Individual peaks - Everest |
|
|
Island Groups - The Bermudas |
Selected islands - Sumatra |
|
|
Names of continents, parts of the world, capes - Eurasia, Europe, Cape Horn |
||
|
States |
Names of states containing words denoting government structure - Union, State, Republic, Kingdom: The United States of America, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The Republic of France |
Names of states without designation of government structure - America, Great Britain, France |
|
Printed publications |
Published in English-speaking countries - |
Published in all other countries - Moscow News |
|
The whole family - The Smiths - The Smiths. The Petrovs |
One person - Smith, Petrov |
|
|
Titles |
Hotels, ships, planes - The Metropol, |
Names of streets, squares, cities - Trafalgar Square |
Exceptions: The Hague - The Hague, The Netherlands - The Netherlands, The Crimea - Crimea, The Ukraine - Ukraine, The Caucasus - Caucasus, The Congo - Congo, The Strand - Strand (street in London).
Rules for using the articles a, an and the in English
Let's look at some more examples together and establish the rules for using articles in English.
Indefinite article
The indefinite article is used before a noun when it only names an object, classifies it as a representative of a certain type of object, but does not specifically highlight it.
a table - a table (namely a table, not a chair) a chair - a chair.
When mentioning an object or person for the first time
That's a pretty girl. - Beautiful girl.
In a generalized meaning: a noun with an indefinite article in this meaning means: any, everyone.
A cow gives milk. - Any cow gives milk.
With professions:
My Dad is a Doctor. — My dad is a doctor.
She "s an architect. - She is an architect.
With some quantity expressions:
a pair - a pair, a little - a little, a few - several.
In exclamatory sentences: before a singular countable noun after the word what.
What a beautiful day! - What a wonderful day!
What a pity! - What a pity!
Use of the definite article
The definite article is used if the object or person in question is known to both the speaker and the listener (from the context, the surrounding environment, or as previously mentioned in this speech).
It is a chair
The chair is at the table - the chair is near the table
Try putting the word this or that in front of the noun. If the meaning of what is being expressed does not change, then the definite article must be placed before the noun, and if it changes, then the indefinite article must be placed before the singular noun (if it is countable), and not at all before the plural noun.
Re-mentioned, when it is clear from the previous text what we are talking about:
The girl was beautiful. — (This) Girl was beautiful.
Clear on the situation, when it is clear what/who is meant:
The lesson is over. - The lesson is over.
Having an individuating definition, that is, a definition that distinguishes this person or object from a number of similar ones.
- Definition, n calling sign:
This is the house that Jack built. - This is the house that Jack built
- Expressed as an adjective in the superlative form
This is the shortest way to the river - This is the shortest way to the river
- Expressed as an ordinal number
He missed the first lecture. — He missed the first lecture
- Definition expressed by proper noun
the Bristol road - the road to Bristol.
- Definitions expressed in words:
The stop next is ours. - The next stop is ours.
Before nouns one of a kind:
the sun - the sun
the moon - moon
the Earth - Earth
the floor - floor (one in the room)
the sea - sea (the only one in the area)
Before adjectives and participles turned into nouns with a plural meaning:
the strong - strong, the old- old people, the young - youth,
Absence of article (zero article)
If there is a pronoun before a noun or nouns in the possessive case.
My room is large - My room is large.
A noun is used without an article in the plural in the following cases: When in the singular in front of him there would be an indefinite article:
I saw a letter on the table. — I saw a letter on the table.
I saw letters on the table. — I saw letters on the table.
Uncountable real nouns.
water water, milk milk, chalk chalk, sugar sugar, tea tea, snow snow, grass grass, wool wool, meat meat and others.
Uncountable abstract nouns (abstract concepts).
weather weather, music music, power strength, knowledge knowledge, art art, history history, mathematics mathematics, light light, love love, life life, time time
I like music - I love music.
But at the same time, some abstract nouns that express a type of quality or state can be used with the indefinite article.
He got a good education. He received a good education.
In English, plural nouns can be preceded by a definite article. pronoun some(any) or the qualifier may be missing.
If one of the words can be placed in front of a Russian noun: a few, some, some, some the corresponding noun in an English sentence is preceded by the pronoun some (any).
If none of these words can be placed before a Russian noun, then there is no determiner before the corresponding noun in an English sentence.
I bought some apples yesterday - I bought apples yesterday ( some, some apples)
In this lesson we will consider the topic “Articles in English”. Let's study what articles exist and the basic rules of use in constructions. The analysis is carried out at a level understandable for children and adults.
The use of articles together with nouns in English is a rather voluminous topic, so you should be patient.
In English, the article (The Article) is the main definition of nouns. When constructing a sentence, the first thing they start with is thinking about articles, the speaker defines a definite or indefinite noun and then puts the articles. In other words, we are talking about something specific or something general. There are no articles in the Russian language, which is why this topic causes certain difficulties for many.
When composing a construction in English, the article is used in almost all cases. There are:
- The Definite Article or the definite article to which it refers The;
- The Indefinite Article or indefinite article, which refers to an And a.
We will study 3 cases of using the article - the use of the indefinite, definite article and cases when the article is not used at all in the construction.
Definite Articles in English (The Definite Article)
This part of speech has only one form, the. From a grammatical point of view, it comes from the demonstrative pronoun “that - that”.
- The definite article The Definite Article is used in a sentence when talking about an object that has already been talked about or in cases where the interlocutor understands what the conversation is about.
For example, Please show me the book. - Show me this book, please. - This part of speech is also used in a sentence when interlocutors talk about an object that is one of a kind.
For example, The sun is in the sky. - The sun is in the sky. - applies in all cases when interlocutors talk about a musical group, newspaper, cinema, restaurant.
For example, The Beatles - The Beatles. - The name of nationality, when not talking about someone specific, but generalizing all representatives of the clan, is used with the part of speech in question.
For example, the Americans. - Americans. - The definite article is used in some phrases.
For example, at the cinema/ the theater - to the cinema/theater. A stable design was used here. - If a proper name contains the words kingdom (kingdom), union (union), republic (republic), this article is used together with them.
For example, The United Kingdom - United Kingdom. - This part of speech is used in sentences after prepositions of place.
- If there is a construction “next, last + some time period,” we put this article in front of the entire construction.
For example, the next day - the next day.
For example, There is a cat in front of the monitor. – There’s a cat in front of the screen. - If we are talking about the whole family, then the article in question is also placed before the surname.
For example, The Petrovs are at home. - Petrov's houses. - objects are also used in construction with the part of speech in question.
For example, the Arctic - Arctic and the Alps - Alps.Attention, the article is not used in the names of countries, streets, airports, islands.
- If a proper name is expressed by a title and after it there is such a meaning of, the article in question is used.
Example, The Prince of Wales - Prince of Wales. - In English, as in Russian, there is an adjective that is used without a noun, but denotes a group of people. This form should also be preceded by this part of speech .
For example, The old - old people. - If the construction contains a superlative adjective, articles definite are also used before it.
Example, the quickest - the fastest. - The is used whenever there is an "of" before the noun.
For example, The Tower of London - Tower in London. - With cardinal points, this article is always used in the design.
For example, the Northern part of our country - the north of our country. - If the sentence contains the word only (meaning only), then here we also use the article in question.
For example, She was the only beautiful woman in his life. - She was the only beautiful woman in his life. - And the last case of using articles is before an ordinal number.
Example: We are on the fourth floor. - We're on the fifth floor.
This article in question is used with nouns used in the singular and plural.
Indefinite article
The indefinite article in English has two forms, a and an. They are derived from the ancient Greek word meaning “one.” That is why the use of this article is possible only in conjunction with singular nouns. Its spelling depends on what sound the noun after it begins with (with a vowel or a consonant, for example, an hour, a uniform).
For example, A goose - goose and an apple - apple.
This part of speech is used when interlocutors are talking about an abstract concept rather than a concrete object. For example, a dog means any animal of the canine genus, not your pet.
- The Indefinite Article is used before singular countable nouns when talking about an object being discussed for the first time.
For example, A man came up to a policeman. – The man approached the policeman. - In constructions that talk about speed or price, this part of speech is also used.
For example, 6 dollars a kilo - 6 dollars per kg. 40 km an hour - 40 km per hour. - If a singular countable noun is used, denoting a representative of a class of objects, the indefinite article is used.
For example, A child needs love. - The child needs love. It’s worth going into a little more detail here. Child in context means any child, all children who need love. We are not talking about any specific child, but about the whole class in the plural, and it doesn’t matter how many objects it contains. - The Indefinite Article is used in cases where we talk about an indefinite quantity of any items or objects.
For example, Pass me a piece of bread. - Pass me (some) bread. - This part of speech is used in exclamatory sentences if there is a singular countable noun.
For example, What a pretty baby! - What a cute baby! - The Indefinite Article is applied by the job title.
For example: He is a doctor. - He is a doctor. - The indefinite article is used before singular countable nouns, defined by the words most, such, rather, quite, meaning “very”.
For example, It is a most interesting book. - This is a very interesting book. - If the construction contains an adjective that characterizes a noun, they should be preceded by an indefinite article.
For example, This is a red flower. - These are red flowers. - The indefinite article is also placed after There is, This is, It is, That is.
Example: There is a rose in the vase. - Rose in a vase. - The Indefinite Article is used in cases where the meaning one is implied before countable nouns that denote a time period.
For example, Will you be back in an hour? – Will you be back in an hour? - If there is a noun with the meaning “any or any”, the indefinite article is also used in this case.
For example, A cow gives milk. A cow (any kind) gives milk. - The indefinite article is used in cases where the noun is represented by a nominal predicate.
For example, He is a talented writer. - He is a talented writer.
Other English topics: Articles in English with geographical names: features of use
Please note that the indefinite article is not used with proper names, however, in some cases it can be used before Mr/Mrs/Miss + surname. Used if the person is not known to other interlocutors.
Please note that when listing items and objects, the indefinite article is used.
Zero article or no article
In English, constructions are constructed, as we said above, with definite or indefinite articles. However, there are situations when it is not necessary to use this part of speech. In this case we talk about the zero article.
- The zero article is used in cases where the sentence is composed with uncountable nouns denoting gases, liquids and other indefinite concepts.
For example, Compassion is one of his brightest features. “Compassion is one of his most striking traits.” In this case, compassion is a feeling, that is, an abstract concept. Water is necessary for life. - Water is essential for life. Everything is clear here, water is a liquid.However, drawing a parallel with the definite article, we see that with The Definite Article we are talking about a specific substance or object.
For example, The rice we ate yesterday was delicious. – The rice we ate yesterday was delicious.
- The zero article is used when we are talking about a plural countable noun to mean a group of objects or people.
For example, Trees produce oxygen. – Trees produce oxygen. (in this case trees are used as a group of plants united general concept: not any specific trees - those growing near our house or a neighbor's, but all trees)
I like the trees outside my house. – I like the trees near my house. In this case, the definite article should be inserted, since we are talking about specific trees that grow near my house.
Articles in the construction are not required if we mean words that mean eating. Then they are lowered.
For example, Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. – Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.However, by slightly changing the sentence by adding an adjective to the noun, we get a completely different construction with an indefinite article.
Example: Mr. Simpson had a tasty supper. — Mr. Simpson had a delicious dinner.
- The zero article is used with the words home, college, school, university and bed if they have their literal meaning.
Compare: Jack was in prison. – Jack was in prison. (as a prisoner) and Jack’s mother went to the prison to see him. – Jack’s mother went to prison to see him. (she went to the prison building as a visitor). Here we should recall the topic “Prepositions in English”. - Many phrases in English do not require an article before them. Therefore, before writing any word, you should remember the rule.
For example, if there is a noun + numeral construction. Open your book on page 21. – Open your book on page 21. - Also, if the phrase contains the preposition by + vehicle. She travels by bus all the time. – She travels by bus all the time.
- If the phrase has a position, rank or title + a proper name, the zero article is used. President Reagan was born in 1911. – President Reagan was born in 1911.
However, if we leave one rank or title and remove the proper name, we get a construction with a definite article.
For example, Yesterday the Minister of Education attended the biggest university in the country. – Yesterday the Minister of Education visited the largest university in the country.
- If in our speech we talk about a unique profession or position, we should do this without an article. The usual profession is used with the definite article.
Application: He is a sales manager in this department. – He works as a sales manager in this department (he is one of all sales managers in the department).
He’s been appointed (the) top manager of this department. – He was appointed top manager of this department (there is only one top manager in this department). - If a noun has a meaning that expresses more quality than the object itself, the zero article is used in English.
For example, You are not even man enough to admit your fault. You don't even have the courage to admit your guilt. - Usually the article with days of the week and months is not used.
- There is no need to use the article before many names:
- Dishes, drinks. She cooks lasagna every Friday. She cooks lasagna every Friday.
- Types of sports or games. Football is a popular game. – Football is a popular game.
- Languages. I speak French. - I speak French. The exception is the use of the name of a language, which already contains the word “language”; in this case we use the definite article. The French language is spoken in some parts of Canada. – In some parts of Canada they speak French.
- Diseases. This boy is sick with asthma. This boy has asthma. However, there is a group of diseases whose names we use in speech, both with the definite and zero articles. These include: mumps / the mumps (mumps), measles / the measles (measles), flu / the flu (flu). She caught (the) meats. “She caught measles.”
- Color range. Red is my favorite color. – Red is my favorite color.
- Cities and everything that it consists of - bridges, squares, streets, parks. Times Square is located in the central part of Manhattan. – Times Square is located in the central part of Manhattan.
- Significant buildings related to public and consisting of two words. My dream is to see Buckingham Palace. – My dream is to see Buckingham Palace. An exception to this rule: correctly, the White House.
- Hotels and banks, establishments and shops that were named after the people who founded them. The prices in Johnson's Pharmacy are cheap. – Prices at Johnson's pharmacy are cheaper.
- Countries whose name consists of one word. I'm from England. - I am from England. When talking about a country whose name consists of more than one word or is used in the plural, use the definite article. The United States of America (United States of America) and the Philippines (Philippines).
- Some geographical objects are also used with a zero article. These include: single islands, continents, lakes and mountains. Mount Etna is a volcano. – Mount Etna is a volcano. Madagascar is known for its nature. – Madagascar is famous for its nature.
Above we studied the main cases when the article is not used in a sentence. The absence of an article in the English language occurs, as you have seen, in many cases.
In what cases is the article omitted?
In some English sentences the article is omitted, although it should be in the construction. This happens in cases where the sentence should be made as concise as possible, then it is advisable not to use them:
- In production scripts. Actors stand near cupboard, then move to window. – The actors stand at the buffet, then move to the window.
- In the newspaper headlines. Seven people witness UFO. – Seven people saw a UFO.
- In notes, footnotes, dictionary entries. John Updike. American poet, dramatist, author of the novel “Rabbit, run”. – John Updike. American poet, playwright, author of the novel “Rabbit, Run.”
- In telegrams. Monthly report needed send first opportunity. – Monthly report required, please send as soon as possible.
It is worth noting that in the modern world, native speakers themselves use the article quite freely. Instead of definite, he says indefinite, and vice versa, and also their omit completely. We are not recommended to do this when learning English.
Summary table of the use of articles in the British language
To summarize all of the above, we present to your attention a table that contains all the material on the topic being studied, “The Use of Articles in English.”
| The | A/an | Articles are not used |
| When referring to a specific noun: Where is the book? -Where is this book? | This or that class of objects: It’s a pen - This is a pen. | A group of objects that have common features: Give me pens. -Give me your pens. |
| With the nouns already mentioned: It’s a cap. The cap is good. - This is a cup. This is a good cup. | In the meaning of any: Give me a pen. – Give me (any) pen. | Before proper names: Ann lives in Nizhny Novgorod - Anna lives in Nizhny Novgorod. May is my favorite month – May is my favorite month. See you on Monday - See you on Monday. |
| With profession + proper name: Where is the doctor Brown? -Where is Doctor Brown? | With profession: I am an engineer. - I am an engineer. | If a noun is preceded by a possessive or demonstrative pronoun: my book - my book, this pencil - this pencil |
| Specification of location: In the zoo - in the zoo, on the table - on the table, near the house - next to the house. | With quantity designation: a half - half, a third - a third, a couple - a pair, a hundred - a hundred. | If there is a cardinal number: Open your books at page 45. – Open your books on page 45. |
| With ordinal numbers: the first - the first, the fifth - the fifth, the twentieth - the twentieth. | Name of food: a meal - food, a nice lunch - a good lunch, a good dinner - a good dinner. | Name of food: lunch, dinner, dinner, breakfast. |
| With a superlative degree: the tallest of all animals - the tallest of all animals, the most beautiful - the most beautiful. |
Set expressions: for a week - for a week, once a day - once a day, twice a year - twice a year, a cup of tea - a cup of tea. | Method of transportation: by air - by air, by bus - by bus, by plane - by plane, by bicycle - by bicycle, by car - by car, on foot - on foot, on horseback - on horseback. |
| With nouns meaning singularity: - the Earth - Earth, the Sun - Sun, the Moon - Moon. - the theater - theatre, the cinema - cinema, the radio - radio, the television - television - the sea - sea, the sky - sky, the ground - earth, the countryside - nature. |
With nouns denoting the names of sciences and academic subjects: I like Physics very much. – I really like physics. |
|
| When we talk about any type: the piano - piano, the telephone - telephone, the bicycle - bicycle. | Common English statements: Children like games. – Children love to play (all children, games) | |
| When we talk about the type of plants and animals (but only in singular): the rose - rose, the giraffe - giraffe, the tiger - tiger. | When we talk about famous people: President Kennedy - President Kennedy | |
| With a group of people, nations: - the Browns - the Browns, the police - the police. - with nationalities: the Russian s - Russians. - before adjectives: the rich - rich, the old - old |
Expressions of time: at night - at night, at noon - at noon, by day - during the day. | |
| Time expressions: in the morning - in the morning, during the night - at night, the next day - the next day. |
Continent names: Asia, Africa, Europe, South America. | |
| Continent names: the Arctic - Arctic, the Antarctic - Antarctica. |
Country names (consisting of one word): Spain, France, China | |
| Names of countries (if there are words: union, federation, kingdom, state; or plural): the Netherlands - the Netherlands, the USA - USA, the Russian Federation - Russia, the United Kingdom - United Kingdom. |
Names of mountains, lakes, islands (consisting of one word): Jamaica | |
| Names of mountain ranges, groups of lakes, and groups of islands: the Alps - Alps, the Baikal - Baikal, the Hawaiian Islands - Hawaiian Islands. | Cities, squares, streets, etc. in the city: New York, London Bridge, Oxford Street. But: The Mail, the Royal Palace, the Bank of England | |
| Names of rivers, canals, bays, straits: the Volga - Volga, the Panama Canal - Panama Canal, the Gulf of Mexico - Gulf of Mexico. | Some expressions (sentence + noun): for example - for example, on time - for a while, in turn - in turn, day by day - day after day | |
| Names of deserts, oceans and seas: the Gobi Desert - Gobi Desert, the Atlantic Ocean - Atlantic Ocean, the Caspian Sea - Caspian Sea. | Some expressions (vl+n): Shake hands. - Shake hands. Expressions (go to, be at/in): Go to bed, class, hospital - go to bed, class, hospital. Be at church, school. - Be in church, school. |
|
| Region name: the Midwest. | Newspaper headlines, advertisements: Police seek man in blue trousers. – The police are looking for a man in blue trousers. | |
| With newspaper names: The Times, The Washington Post. | ||
| With the names of hotels, restaurants, museums, galleries, theaters, cinemas. | ||
| With the seasons |