Definite Article

The definite article is relatively easy to learn. Sometimes we tend to make things harder or more complicated than they need to be, but this shouldn't be the case with the English article 'the.' It seems that those learning the English language sometimes face difficulties when translating from their mother tongue. Many languages use the articlebefore certain nouns, whereas in English we don't always use the article. Remembering the following should help clear up any difficulties.

Remembering the following should help clear up any difficulties.

Definite Article: 'THE' basics

'The' is used before singular and plural nouns. The nouns are specifically related to a member of a group. 'The' may also be used with count or non count nouns. Ex: The child is playing in the back yard. Ex: The children are in the street. Ex: The information you gave me is wrong. Since languages are 'living' there are occassions when certain useages do, or can, cause problems. Most problems with the definitive article are caused by not knowing when to NOT use, or omit, it.

Some problems or difficulties encountered when using the definite article...

In some cases the article is used and in others it is not (without any specific rule or reason) other than, perhaps, user preference. Tendecies tend to reflect differences between place and institution.

Ex: When I was at University (institution) = 'the' ommitted Ex: The match is at the University (location) = 'the' used Likewise, there tends to be a couple of differences between American English and British English regarding the use of the definite article. Ex: British speakers may "go to hospital." (both location and institution) Ex: American speakers "go to the hospital." (both location and institution)

Indefinite Article
The indefinite article is relatively easy to learn as there are but three of them and their basic rules are easy enough to understand. Problems can sometimes arise for those who don't clearly understand the 'exceptions to the rules.' And as the case seems to be with many rules, English articles also have what we call, 'exceptions.' Exceptions mean that sometimes the rules don't apply and then there are new, or different, rules that apply for that particular instance. Don't worry, though, the rules and exceptions for the indefinite article aren't that difficult to remember, and at the advanced level of the English language they should require just a quick review which just happens to follow...

Indefinite article: 'a, an'

These English articles are used before singular nouns. They specifically relate to any member of a group. Ex: A dog is in the street.

Difficulties and 'exceptions' with English Language articles...

Use 'an' instead of 'a' when it comes before a vowel sound NOT just before a word that begins with a vowel. Ex: We say; "It's an honor to meet you" NOT "It's a honor to meet you."

Why? Because the 'h' in honor is silent. Ex: We say; "My dad belongs to a union" NOT "My dad belongs to an union." Why? Because 'union' is pronounced (you nee un.)

'H' sounded or silent? -- plus -- where's the accent?

The 'h' can cause some problems if you don't know the following. Words beginning with 'h' can be preceded by 'an' or 'a' depending on where the accent in the word is... Ex: I have a history lesson at 10:00am. (first syllable in history accented) Ex: It was an historic occasion. (second syllable in historic accented) OR... depending on whether the 'h' is silent or sounded. Ex: An honor to meet you. (silent) Ex: Is that a hypothetical question? (sounded)

Indefinite article with abbreviations

Acronyms and abbreviations can be problematic for those who don't know the above. Depending on how the acronym is pronounced, it can be preceded by either a or an. Ex: A CNC lathe. (pronounced see en see) Ex: An MRI. (pronounced em ar eye) Ex: A UNC basketball game. (pronounced you en see)

English Articles
English articles often receive little attention from learners of the language and yet this is where many students could make some real improvements in their use of English. Many of the problems encountered by students learning English articles can be

overcome with just some good old fashioned review and a couple of practicle exercises. Generally, articles in the English language are known as definite and indefinite. There are also words that function as partitive articles. The words, 'any' and 'some,' can indicate an indefinite quantity of a mass noun. With the above in mind you should take a minute or two to look over what follows. This page gives you some basics to remember while the other pages give you a more in depth look at the definite and indefinite articles

English Articles: definite 'the'

'The' is used before singular and plural nouns. The nouns are specifically related to a member of a group. Ex: The dog is on the kitchen floor. Ex: The dogs are in the back yard.

English Articles: indefinite 'a'/'an'

Indefinite articles are used before singular nouns. The specifically relate to any member of a group. Ex: A dog is a domestic animal.

English Articles: partitive 'any' / 'some'

Ex: "Would you like some coffee?" Ex: "Do you want any milk or sugar in your coffee?"

Difficulties and Exceptions when using English articles...

Use 'an' instead of 'a' when it comes before a vowel sound NOT just before a word that begins with a vowel.

Ex: We say; "It's an honor to meet you," NOT "It's a honor to meet you." Ex: We say; "My dad belongs to a union."

Is the 'H' sounded or silent? -- plus -- where's the accent?

The 'h' can cause some problems if you don't know the following. Words begining with 'h' can be preeceded by 'an' or 'a' depending on where the accent in the word is... Ex: I have a history lesson at 10:00am. (first syllable in history accented) It was an historic occasion. (second syllable in historic accented) or... depending on whether the 'h' is silent or sounded. Ex: An honor to meet you. (silent) Is that a hypothetical question? (sounded) Acronyms and abbreviations can cause problems when you don't know the above. Ex: A CNC lathe. (pronounced see en see) An MRI. (pronounced em ar eye)