Articles

Question 1

When to use indefinite articles

Answer 1

The indefinite articles are un (masculine singular), une (feminine singular) and des (plural for both genders).

→ Used when we are talking about something non-specific
Example: Léna est une copine de Lara. (Since Lena is one of many friend we use the indefinite)

→ In an introductory style to mention something for the first time in a text
Example: Léna a acheté une glace. (Lena bought an ice cream.)

Question 2

When to use the definite article

Answer 2

In french the definite articles are le (masculine singular), la (feminine singular) and les (plural for both).

→ Used to talk about a specific person or thing
Example: Léna est la copine de François. (Lena is the girlfriend of Francios, since lena is specifically the girlfriend we use the article)

→ Used to refer to a person or thing that has already been mentioned or that is known to the reader/listener
Example: Elle éteint la lumière. (She turns off the light)

→ After the verbs aimer, adorer, préférer and détester

Question 3

When to use the partitive article

Answer 3

The partitive article is used to talk about something with and undetermined amount. It is formed using the preposition de + the article.

→ Used with uncountable nouns.
Example: Il faut acheter de l’eau et du café. (We have to buy water and coffee)

→ To talk about sports and musical instrument with the verb faire
Example: Il fait du foot. (He plays football.)

Question 4

When to use no article

Answer 4

→ Names of towns
→ Days of the week
→ Months
→ Jobs in a general context
→ Religions
→ Phrases with en + transport
→ to express quantities
→ After a negation (Example: Il n‘a plus d’eau dans son verre.)
→ After certain verbs of expressions that contain de (Example: J’ai besoin d’argent.)