0Articles
Kinds of articles:
There are two kinds of articles:
- Indefinite a/an
- Definite the
- a/an + singular countable.
Usage based on sound
The choice between a/an is determined by the initial sound of the word following it. If the word begins with a consonant sound, use a; if the word starts with a vowel sound, use an. Note that consonant and vowel refer to sound, not to the letters of the alphabet. a, e, i, o, u are letters of the alphabet, not sounds.
Vowel sounds are a, aa, ii uu, a aye, o, owe ang ah.
Usage-based on structure
A/an is used before a singular countable noun that is mentioned for the first time and does not refer to a particular person or thing.
What’s this? This is the bus.
What’s that? That is orange. (the is not possible here).
Note:
- a) A singular indefinite countable noun cannot be used without a/an:
We don’t say:
This is a pen.
That is an elephant.
- b) uncountables without a/an.
An uncountable singular noun does not take a/an:
This is water/sugar. (not, a water/sugar)
This is ink/oil. (not, an ink/oil).
- a/an + noun (as a class)
a/an is used before a singular countable noun when it represents a class when one means all/every. That is called a classifying function of a/an.
A triangle has got three sides. (all triangles)
A horse is an animal. (all horses).
a/an +noun (profession etc.)
a/an is used before a singular noun denoting profession; occupation; post; rank; caste; community; religion; nationality or political loyalty.
He is a teacher. She is a Christian
He is German. She is a socialist.
a/an + noun (degree/title): a/an is used before a noun denoting a degree/title:
He is a graduate. She is an MSc.
a/an +noun (rate)
a/an is used before a noun expressing the rate:
Fish sells at Rs. 50 a kilo.
She can type 40 words a minute.
Bananas sell at Rs 5 a dozen.
He goes home once a week.
a/an + verb-noun (verb used as a noun)
a/an is used before a verb used as a noun.
He has gone for a walk.
Have a look at this book.
He gave a talk on grammar.
I have a bath at 9’ clock.
a/an + a person’s name
a/an is used before Mr/Ms/Mrs/Miss +surname to indicate that his/her identity is not known to the speaker:
A Mr Smith wants to see you.
A Mrs. Smith gave me his letter.
The article The will be covered in the next chapter
