27.11.2014

An article is a word that defines a noun.

There are two types of articles in English: definite (the) and indefinite (a / an).

Based on the names, respectively, the indefinite article is used when we are talking about a phenomenon that we meet for the first time, an object in general, and a definite one - when we are talking about something specific, or already previously encountered in a conversation.

The concept of the article is present in many languages \u200b\u200bof the world, but in the same number of languages \u200b\u200bit is absent.

Therefore, do not panic if articles are not used in your native language.

The data will help you make fewer mistakes when speaking English.

It is very important to be able to use the correct articles in your speaking or writing.

1.With the names of countries and continents

In this case, we do not use articles at all, BUT if the country name consists of parts, such as, USA, UK, UAEthen our article appears the, and will be: the USA, the UK, the UAE, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands.

This also applies to continents and islands: usually we do not use the article, but if the name is combined, the definite article has a place to be.

For example: Africa, Europe, Bermuda, Tasmania BUT the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas.

• She lived in America.
• They live in England.
• My friend is from the Czech Republic.

2.With the words breakfast, dinner, lunch

When it comes to eating in general, there is no article. But if you are talking about a specific breakfast, dinner or lunch, use the.

For instance:

• I don’t eat breakfast.
• We didn’t like the dinner.

3.With job titles, professions

In this case, the indefinite article is used a / an.

For example:

• I want to be a politician.
• My younger brother wants to be a vet.

4.With the names of the cardinal points

Usually the names of the cardinal points are written with a capital letter, so they are easy to recognize: the North, the South, the East, the West .

True, if a noun indicates a direction, then use it without an article and write with a small letter.

For example:

• They went east.
• The North is cooler than the South.

5.With the names of oceans, seas, rivers and canals

Remember that the definite article is always used with the names of these bodies of water.

For example: The Amazon, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Suez Canal .

• I would like to swim in the Red Sea, and you?
• The Amazon is the longest river in the world.

6.With the names of unique phenomena

It means that a phenomenon or object exists in one copy, one of a kind, in particular, the sun, the moon, the inter net , the sky , the earth.

For instance:

• The sun is a star.
• We looked up at all the stars in the sky.
• He is always on the internet.

7.With uncountable nouns

This category of nouns implies those units and concepts that we cannot count. Plus, as an identification mark in most cases, they don't have an ending. –S - plural indicator.

But do not forget that there are ten exceptions for one rule, that is, if you are talking in general about some uncountable concept, there will be no article, but again, if the case is a particular one, use the.

For example:

• I like bread / milk / honey.
• I like the bread / the milk / the honey. (Specifically this and nothing else.)

8.With surnames

If we are talking about members of the same family, you can put the article the before the surname. Thus, you designate a group of people, a family in one word.

For instance:

• The Smith are coming for dinner today.
• Have you seen the Jonson recently?

These are not all uses of articles in English. However, first, remember these rules, gradually deepening your knowledge.

Hello to all! Each language has its own rules that lend themselves to logic and explanation, and there are exceptions that obey only cramming. If your native language is Russian and you study English, then you are very lucky. You will have to learn a lot less rules. As you study irregular or modal verbs, you may not agree with me. But believe me, there are far fewer rules and exceptions in English than in Russian. Definite article

Many use cases, for example, of articles in English can be reduced to a few basic rules, and in other cases, you need to learn how to find the logic of these very rules. Well, and the rest, of course, you just have to memorize :). In this article, I will guide you about the basic rules for using the Definite Article in English.

As you already know from previous lessons, there are two types of articles in English: uncertain (a / an) and definite (the), expressed by a given single form. Individualizing "The", like the definite, originated from the Old English language, where it served as a demonstrative pronoun "That" (this that).

Pointing to something or someone, you save speech from any uncertainty, and the interlocutor will immediately understand what you are talking about. " The"Because it is called definite, because when using it, it is immediately clear about what object, person or event and in question: The sandwich on the table (identifies a specific book lying on a specific table).

Thus, Definite Article it is sometimes used when the person or object mentioned is known to both the listener and the speaker (from the previously mentioned in the conversation, environment, context): It is a table is a table. The table is at the wall - the table is near the wall.

Basic rules for using the definite article

The fact that the Definite Article is derived from the demonstrative pronoun determines the basic rules for its use. "The", unlike "a / an", can be used in any number and placed in front of any nouns. But in what situation? So, the definite article is applied before:

• One of a kind items: The Moon moves around the Earth. - The moon moves around the earth.
• Items that have a definition: The boy that has stolen a picture, was caught. “The boy who stole the painting was caught.(Which boy? - who stole the painting)
• Objects from a limited collection or group: The wheel of the lorry was missing. - The truck had no wheels. (One of the 4 or 6 wheels of the truck was missing).

These are the basic rules for using Definite Article.

In general, try to do this: put the pronoun "this" or "that" in front of the noun.If the meaning of the sentence or phrase does not change, then feel free to sculpt "The", and if it changes, then before the uncountable noun. in units we put "a / an", and if it is a plural noun, then we do not put the article at all! Simply and easily! But you need to know the rules, so let's continue.

Other uses of the definite article

Definite Article applies in the following cases:

• Re-mentioned object or phenomenon: The woman was beautiful
• Indicates a sign of a person or object: This is the house that Jonathan built
• When who or what is meant is clear from the situation: The lesson is over
• Expressed in an excellent adjective: This is the shortest way to the mountain
• Expressed by its own name: the London road
• Before the ordinal: He missed the first beams of the sun
• Before the words (they need to be remembered): same, last, next, right, main, upper, only, left, previous, central, following, very, coming, wrong
• Uses with participles and adjectives that have become plural nouns: the young - youth, the old - old people
• The surname is called in the plural. (meaning all family members): The Sidorovs are at home
• When the seas, islands, mountain ranges, deserts, rivers, hotels, theaters, yachts are designated, as well as when summarized: I’m taking a trip to the Black sea
• When talking about the only object in this setting: The teacher is in the classroom
• Store namehe is light: the North, the south, the West, the east
• Creatures. in singular, which denote a whole class of something, that is, generalized: The ostrich is a bird
• When it comes to the honor of the substance: the tea on the table... Means a cup of tea
• After the words: some of, each of, one of, all, most of, many of, both of: Give me one of the books

These are all rules for using the definite article in English.

You can learn about the use of stable idioms with articles from any grammar reference, and all other cases in a logical sequence and according to its laws are set out above. Language is a logical subject, so include logic, memorize a few exceptions, and then you will succumb to the use of English articles!

See you soon on the pages of our site!

The definite article the

An article is a word that adds a touch of certainty or ambiguity to the meaning of a noun: "After the long conference, the mug of hot chocolate is especially good." / "After a long conference, a mug of hot chocolate is especially good." In the first case, we transmit information about a specific conference and a hot chocolate mug. In the second, a general statement was formulated, implying that any circle will come to a place after any long conference. There are several ways in English to convey this certainty, or lack thereof. Let's take a closer look.

Definite article

Definite article ( definite article) - the English word " the". It kind of limits the semantic meaning of the noun. For example, your friend might ask: “Are you planning to visit the party this Monday? " "Are you planning to attend the party this Monday?" The definite article in English tells that a friend is referring to a certain party that is well known. The article "the" is used with plural and singular nouns, as well as with uncountable nouns. Below are some examples of using the definite article in context:

• Could you give me the screwdriver, please? - Could you give me a screwdriver, please?
• Give me the orange screwdriver, please. The green one is too big. - Please give me an orange screwdriver. Green is too big.
• Could you give me the chisel, please? - Could you give me a chisel, please?
• Could you give me the small chisel, please? That "s the only one convenient enough to make holes in this plank. - Could you please give me a little chisel? This is the only tool that is comfortable drilling holes in this board.
• Give me the screwdriver and the chisel then, please. - Then give me a screwdriver and a chisel, please.

Indefinite article

The indefinite article ( indefinite article) there are two main forms. First, this is the official part of speech " a»Preceding a word that begins with a consonant. Secondly, it is the article “ an"Used with a word that begins with a vowel. The indefinite article in English "a / an" indicates that the noun is used in a general sense, and not in a specific one. For example, you ask a friend: “Should I take a present then? "Should I bring a present then?" The friend understands that you are not asking about a specific type of gift or a specific item. “I would like to bring an almond cake. "I would like to bring an almond cake." Again, the indefinite article indicates that there is no particular almond cake in mind. Whether it's homemade or bought at a local pastry shop doesn't matter. The indefinite article is characterized by monogamy, so it can only be found with singular nouns. Consider the following examples of the indefinite article in context:

• Could you fetch me a smartphone, please? Any of them will be fine. - Could you give me a smartphone, please? Any of these will do.
• Gimme a bottle of wine real quick now, ok? Any is good. - Give me a quick bottle of wine, ok? Anyone will do.

NOTA BENE: Uncountable nouns are nouns that are difficult or impossible to count. They include intangible objects (information, air), liquids (beer, rum) and things, which are too large or too numerous to count (equipment, sand, wood). Since these things cannot be accounted for, never use "A" or "an". Remember that the English indefinite article is only for singular nouns. However, uncountable nouns are used without problems with the word some.

"A" vs "an". Exceptions to use

There are a number of exceptions to the general rule for using the indefinite article before words that begin with a consonant and vowel.

• The first letter of the word "honorable [" ɔn (ə) rəbl] is generous, for example, the consonant "h", however, it is dumb (unpronounceable). Despite the spelling, the word "honorable" starts with vowel sound [ɔ]. therefore the choice of the article falls on « an". Consider the example below for illustration:

WRONG
Thomas is a honorable person.

RIGHT
Thomas is anhonorable person.

Transfer:Thomas is a generous person.

• Likewise, when the first letter of the word vowelbut pronounced with a consonant sound, use " a"As in the example below:

WRONG
Elizabeth was an

RIGHT
Elizabeth was a United States prime minister.

Transfer: Elizabeth was the Prime Minister of the United States.

• Acronyms, initial abbreviations and reductions by the first letters also obey this rule: a UK-based corporation, an HR-management etc.

Zero article

Sometimes articles are omitted before some nouns. In these cases, the article is implied, but not actually present. Such an article is sometimes called zero ( zero article). There is often no article in front of nouns that refer to abstract ideas. Take a look at the following examples:

WRONG
Let "s have a dinner today.

RIGHT
Let "s have dinner today.

Transfer: Let's have dinner tonight.

WRONG
The enthusiasm is my strong point.

RIGHT
Enthusiasm is my strong point.

Transfer: Enthusiasm is my strong suit.

Many languages \u200b\u200band nationalities are not preceded by the article:

WRONG
Mary is fluent in the Korean and the Japanese.

RIGHT
Mary is fluent in Korean and Japanese.

Transfer:Mary is fluent in Korean and Japanese.

Sports activities, sports and academic subjects do not require an English article in front of them. For comparison, take a look at the suggestions below:

WRONG
Bobby is keen on the soccer.

RIGHT
Bobby is keen on soccer.

Transfer:Bobby loves to play football.

WRONG
The literature isn "t my favorite subject.

RIGHT
Literature isn "t my favorite subject.

Transfer:Literature is my least favorite subject.

Article + pronoun

Possessive pronouns help determine whether you are talking about a specific or indefinite subject. And although, as you already know, articles in English are used to indicate certainty, nevertheless, if you use both the possessive pronoun and the articles at the same time, then the recipient will definitely come to a stupor. Possessive pronouns are words such as: my, his, her, its, their and our... English articles cannot be used in tandem with pronouns. " The"And" my»Are not used together, as both are intended for a similar purpose. The differences lie in the nuances of conveying the required meaning. Consider the following examples:

WRONG
Dexter is using the my tablet right now.

RIGHT
Dexter is using the tablet right now.

RIGHT
Dexter is using my tablet right now.

Transfer:Dexter is currently using (my) tablet.

Article + adjective

In most cases, the article defines not only the noun, but also the adjective in front of it. The usual word order: article + adjective + noun... If you mean the indefinite article, then the choice between “ a"And" an»Is based on the letter the next word begins with.

WRONG
What a interesting magazine!

RIGHT
What an interesting magazine!

Transfer:What an interesting magazine!

WRONG
Merriam will cook an banana cupcake.

RIGHT
Merriam will cook a banana cupcake.

Transfer:Marriam will make a banana cake.

Set expressions with articles

• Useful English definite phrases.

• Useful indefinite article phrases in English.

• Useful zero-article phrases

So, today your piggy bank of knowledge has been replenished with the rules for the use of articles in English. We hope that the article turned out to be useful to you and that you liked it, and, henceforth, you will no longer experience discomfort when recognizing, and, most importantly, understanding the use of this or that article in different situations... You "re welcome!

Big and friendly family EnglishDom

That is, the absence of an article. Let's consider when the article the is used, which, by the way, according to the calculations of linguists, is the most common word in the English language, although, of course, it is difficult to call it a word.

How to use the definite article THE - a basic rule

Most of the rules for using the definite article the boil down to the fact that the is placed before a noun that denotes something... The article itself comes from the word that (this, that) - knowing this, it is easier to understand how it is used.

This is the place that we were talking about. - This (that) place we talked about.

You have the file that I need. - You have (the) document that I need.

The article here does not define, of course, but the noun defined by this adjective. The article the is needed because the superlative degree of a trait or face makes it unique:

This is the most delicious ice-cream in the world. - This is the most delicious ice cream in the world.

He is the smartest student in the university. - He is the smartest student at the university.

5. Before a number of adjectives implying the uniqueness of the subject.

These are words like same (same), only (only), left \\ right (left \\ right). Like adjectives in the superlative degree, they indicate the specificity of what is being discussed.

This is the only way out. - This is the only way out.

Turn the left valve, please. - Turn the right valve, please.

My sister had the same problem... - My sister had the same problem.

6. Before ordinal numbers.

Ordinal - denoting number, not quantity. If the subject is “first” or “twentieth”, this implies its relative uniqueness (in the context of the conversation). This also applies to words like the last (last), the previous (previous), which are similar in meaning to ordinal numbers.

Who was the first human in the space? - Who was the first person in space?

I am reading the third chapter now. - I am now reading the third chapter.

Let’s invite the previous candidate again. - Let's invite the previous candidate again.

This is the last warning... - This is the last warning.

7. Before the names of people when it comes to the family as a whole.

The surname is used in the plural, as in Russian.

I don’t know the allens, but they seem to be nice people. “I don’t know the Allen, but they look like nice people.

The petrovs moved out on Monday. - The Petrovs moved out on Monday.

8. Before in words past, present, future, winter, spring, summer, autumn (fall).

These words are worth highlighting because many tense expressions use the indefinite or zero article, for example: a week ago (a week ago) on Monday - on Monday. When speaking about the past, future, present, we use the:

That is my plan for the future... - Here's my plan for the future.

Whatever happened in the past, stays in the past... - Whatever happens in the past, it will remain in the past.

When talking about seasons, we use the if we mean, say, the fall of a particular year. Speaking of the season in general, we use the zero or definite article:

• I moved to London in the autumn of 2010. - I moved to London in autumn 2010.
• Poets love (the) autumn... - Poets love autumn.

Note: the words autumn and fall mean "autumn", but autumn - this is the British version, fall - American.

9. Before some place names

- a rather confusing topic, I will highlight the main cases:

• The article the is not needed before names of countries from one word (Russia, Spain), but it is needed before names that include words like federation, kingdom, states: the Russian Federation, the Kingdom of Spain, the United Stated of America.
• The is also preceded by plural place names: the Netherlands (Netherlands), the virgin islands (Virgin Islands), the Urals (Ural Mountains).

Article THE before adjective and pronoun

Any article, both the and a \\ an, can be used before an adjective. At the same time, the article defines a noun, the attribute of which denotes this adjective:

This is the new guy I told you about. “This is the new guy I told you about.

Have a nice day... - Have a nice day.

Neither the article nor a \\ an is used before the possessive (my, his, your, etc.) or demonstrative (this, these, that, those) pronouns defining a noun - it already speaks of belonging, and therefore concreteness of the subject.

• Wrong:Where is the my car?
• Right: Where is my car?

An article is a service word showing that the word behind it is a noun and describing some of its features. Articles allow you to distinguish from other parts of speech. They do other things as well.

There are two articles in English: uncertain — a (an) and certain — the.

The indefinite article in front of words that begin with a consonant is used in the form a [ə], for example: a desk [ə’desk], a book [ə’bʊk]; before words that begin with a vowel sound, in the form an [ən], for example: an animal [ən'ænɪməl], an eye [ən'aɪ]. The name of the article itself (without a noun) always sounds [eɪ].

Definite article the before words that begin with a consonant, pronounced as [ðə], for example: the table [ðə’teɪbl], the pen [ðə’pen]; before words that begin with a vowel like [ðɪ], for example: the apple [ðɪ’æpl], the arm [ðɪ’ɑːm]. The name of the article itself is always pronounced as [ðɪ].

When writing and pronouncing articles, it is important with which sound the word begins, and not with which letter. For example, if the initial letter is u reads like [ʌ], then you need to put an (an uncle [ən'ʌŋkl]), but if how, then - a (a union ['ju: nɪon]).

Another example: if at the beginning of a word the letter h pronounced, then you need to put a (a hen [ə’hen] chicken), but if not pronounced, then - an (an hour [ən'auə] hour).

Indefinite article
• has two forms - and and an;
• indicates an unknown / unfamiliar subject.

Definite article
• has one form - the;
• denotes an understandable / familiar subject.

Articles are never stressed and in speech merge with the word following them. If there is an adjective, the article is placed before it. Compare: an apple - a big green apple.

Use of the article

When using articles, it is important to consider in what number (singular or plural) a noun stands and what its type is, namely: common noun or proper, countable or uncountable, abstract or specific.

In many cases, the use (or absence) of an article is governed by grammatical rules, but in some cases it is traditional. Such cases must be remembered.

Indefinite article

The indefinite article comes from the numeral one (one). It is usually not translated into Russian, but it could be translated as “one”, “one of” or “some”, “some”. Therefore, the indefinite article can only be used with countable nouns and only in the singular. '

The indefinite article is used:
1. When an object, creature or person is mentioned for the first time, for example: I see a boy (I see (some) boy).
2. If turnover is used there is, for example: There is an apple in my pocket (I have an apple in my pocket / in my pocket).
3. If turnover is used have something / have got something, for example: I have (got) an orange (I have an orange).
4. If the profession, position, nationality and other characteristics of a person are named, for example: I am a teacher (I am a teacher); Her son is a pupil (Her son is a pupil).
5. When you need to indicate that a given object (creature, person) belongs to a certain group (the property of the group is expressed by an adjective), for example: Do you know that town? Yes, it is a nice small town (Do you know this town? Yes, it's a nice little town). (In this case, it is not necessary for the item to be mentioned the first time.)
6. If you need to specifically emphasize that there is only one subject, for example: Do you have pencils? Yes, I have a pencil (Do you have pencils? Yes, there is (one)). (Here, too, the subject does not have to be mentioned the first time.)

Definite article

The definite article comes from the demonstrative pronoun that (this). He singles out a specific object from among similar ones ("this", "this one", "the same").

The definite article is used:
1. If the subject has already been mentioned and the speech continues about it, for example: My friend has got a dog. He walks with the dog every day (My friend has a dog. He walks the dog every day). But: My friend has got a dog. My sister also has a dog (My friend has a dog. My sister also has a dog).
2. If the item or items belong to a special group, for example: The flowers in our garden are very beautiful. (Here in our garden is a special group, so the word flowers is written with a definite article. In this case, the word may be mentioned for the first time, but the article will be definite.)
3. If the noun is preceded by an ordinal, for example: The second lesson is English (The second lesson is English). (In this case, we are talking about the specific and only: there can be only one second lesson.)
4. If there is a superlative adjective before the noun, for example: Not is the best pupil in our school (He is the best pupil in our school). (In this case, it is about the specific and only: there can be only one best student.)
5. If we are talking about a unique phenomenon or object. (Therefore, the Earth and the Sun are usually written. Here the use of the definite article is similar to the spelling of a word with a capital letter in Russian.)
6. If we are talking about familiar furnishings and the surrounding world, for example: Where is my coat? It hangs at the door (Where is my coat? It hangs by the door). (It is not necessary that a specific door is meant - it is simply called a familiar piece of furniture).
7. If an abstract noun is used in some of its particular manifestations, for example: I cannot see anything in the darkness! (I can't see anything in this darkness!)

Absence of an article (zero article)

In the absence of an article, they also say that there is a zero article.

The article is missing in the following cases.
1. When an object (thing, creature, face) is mentioned for the first time in the plural, for example: I see boys in the street (I see (some) boys on the street).
2. If turnover is used there are with a plural noun, for example: There are apples in my pocket (I have apples in my pocket).
3. If turnover is used have something / have got something, for example: I have (got) oranges in my fridge (I have oranges in my fridge).
4. If the profession, position, nationality and other characteristics of two or more people are called, for example: We are teachers; Her sons are pupils (Her sons are pupils).
5. When you need to indicate that these items belong to a certain group (the property of the group is expressed by an adjective), for example: Did you hear these songs? Yes, these were very nice songs (Did you hear these songs? Yes, they were very nice songs). (In this case, it is not necessary for the word to be named the first time.)
6. If an abstract noun is used in the most general sense, for example: Darkness is the absence of light (Darkness is the absence of light).
7. If the noun is preceded by a possessive pronoun, for example: My house is yellow.
8. If a noun is preceded by a negation no (not not!), for example: We have no bread on the table (We have no bread on the table).

It's important to know! If in cases 1-5 uncountable nouns are used (they do not have a plural), then the article is also absent. All these cases are analogous to the use of the indefinite article with countable nouns in the singular.

The use of an article with proper names

Proper names are usually used without an article, for example: Moscow, New York, Elizabeth, Trafalgar Square, Elbrus.

The definite article is used in the following special cases.
1. Names of rivers, seas, oceans, for example: the Mississippi - Mississippi (river); the Baltic Sea - Baltic Sea; the Atlantic Ocean - Atlantic Ocean.
2. The names of some states, for example: the Russian Federation - Russian Federation; the Ukraine - Ukraine; the Brazil - Brazil; the USA - USA; the United Kingdom - United Kingdom.
3. Some other geographical names (with the article - by tradition), for example: the Caucasus - Caucasus; the Crimea - Crimea; the Hague - The Hague (city in the Netherlands).
4. Names of mountains (mountain systems), for example: the Alps - Alps.
5. Names of the cardinal points: the North - north; the South - south; the East - east; the West - west.
6. Names of newspapers and magazines, for example: the Times - The Times.
7. Hotel names, for example: the Savoy - "Savoy".
8. The name of the whole family (all family members) by last name, for example: the Krasnovs - Krasnovs (Krasnov family).

The following proper names are used without an article.
1. Continental names, for example: America - America; Asia - Asia; Africa - Africa.
2. The names of most countries, for example: Russia - Russia; India - India; France - France; Great Britain - Great Britain.
3. City names, for example: London - London; Paris - Paris; Moscow - Moscow.
4. Names of streets and squares, for example: Green Street - Green street; Red Square - Red Square.
5. Names of months and days of the week, for example: I'll see you in September / on Sunday.
6. Names and surnames, for example: Jack Black, Ivan Petrov.

Collocations with and without an article

Combinations without article

after school / work - after school / work
at half past two - at half past two
at night - at night
at home - at home; at work - at work
at school - at school (in the classroom)
at table - at the table (that is, at lunch, etc.)
by heart - by heart
by post - by mail
from beginning to end - from beginning to end
from morning till night - from morning till evening
go to bed - go to bed
in front of - in front
play football / hockey - play football / hockey
to go / come home - go / come home

Indefinite article combinations

at a quarter past two - at a quarter past two
go for a walk - go for a walk
have a good time - have a good time
have a look - take a look
in a hurry - in a hurry
in a low / loud voice - quiet / loud
It's a pity! - It's a pity!
It's a pleasure! - Very nice!
It's a shame! - It's a shame!

Combinations with a definite article

go to the theater / cinema - go to the theater / cinema
in the country - outside the city, in the village
in the morning / afternoon / evening - morning / afternoon / evening
keep the house - stay at home
on / to the right / left - right, right / left, left
play the piano / guitar - play the piano / guitar
the other day - the other day
What is the time? - What time is it now?