Articles (A, An, The)

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Articles (A, An, The)

• ESL / EWRT 274
• Winter 2010

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Articles Defined

• Articles modify nouns
• English has two articles the a/an
• The is called a definite article
• A/An is called an indefinite article

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Definite Article The

• The is a definite article
• Definite specific / particular
• Use the to refer to a specific / particular noun

Example I read the book.
I am referring to a specific / particular book.
I read the book (by Jonathan Franzen).
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The (Continued)
Other examples
The is used to refer to a specific or
particular member of a group I just
saw the most popular movie of the year.
There are many movies, but only one is the most
popular.
Have you talked to the doctor?
I am asking you if you have talked to one,
specific doctor.
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Indefinite Article A / An

• A / An is an indefinite article
• Indefinite non-specific / non-particular
• Use a / an to refer to a non-specific or
  non-particular noun
• Use a / an to refer to any member of a group

Example My nephew wants a dog for his birthday.
It could be any dog he does not want a specific
kind of dog yet.
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A / An (Continued)
Other examples
When I went to Africa, I saw an elephant.
There are probably many elephants in Africa, but
I am referring to one, non-specific elephant
any elephant out of the hundreds in Africa.
Quick! Somebody call for a policeman!
This refers to any policeman. We dont need a
specific policeman, but any policeman who is
available.
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Whats the Difference?
How does the meaning of each sentence change?
I read an article about Californias budget
crisis. I read the article about Californias
budget crisis.
I finished a pizza that was sitting on the
counter. I finished the pizza that was sitting on
the counter.
I walked to a store on the next block. I walked
to the store on the next block.
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Count / Noncount Nouns
The can be used with noncount nouns, or the
article can be omitted entirely

• I love to sail over the water (a specific body
  of water) or
• I love to sail over water (any body of water).

• He spilled the milk all over the floor (a
  specific milk), or
• He spilled milk all over the floor (any milk).

A / an can only be used with count nouns

• I need a bottle of water.
• I need a glass of milk.