articles Flashcards
Rule #3 - All things or things in general: Use no article with plural count nouns or any noncount nouns used to mean all or in general.
Trees are beautiful in the fall. (All trees are beautiful in the fall.)
He was asking for advice. (He was asking for advice in general.)
I do not like coffee. (I do not like all coffee in general.)
Noncount nouns
Certain food and drink items: bacon, beef, bread, broccoli, butter, cabbage, candy, cauliflower, celery, cereal, cheese, chicken, chocolate, coffee, corn, cream, fish, flour, fruit, ice cream, lettuce, meat, milk, oil, pasta, rice, salt, spinach, sugar, tea, water, wine, yogurt
Noncount nouns
Certain nonfood substances: air, cement, coal, dirt, gasoline, gold, paper, petroleum, plastic, rain, silver, snow, soap, steel, wood, wool
Noncount nouns
Most abstract nouns: advice, anger, beauty, confidence, courage, employment, fun, happiness, health, honesty, information, intelligence, knowledge, love, poverty, satisfaction, truth, wealth
Noncount nouns
Areas of study: history, math, biology, etc.
Noncount nouns
Sports: soccer, football, baseball, hockey, etc.
Noncount nouns
Languages: Chinese, Spanish, Russian, English, etc.
Examples of the Use of Articles
do not want a gun in my house (any gun).
The gun is in his closet (implies there is a specific gun).
I am afraid of guns (all guns in general).
Examples of the Use of Articles
She sent me a postcard from Italy (an unspecific postcard - not a letter, not an e-mail).
It’s the postcard that I have in my office (one specific postcard).
Getting postcards makes me want to travel (any postcard in general).
Examples of the Use of Articles
I have a dog (one dog).
The dog is very friendly (the dog that I have already mentioned).
Dogs make great pets (dogs in general).
Examples of the Use of Articles
Greta needs furniture in her apartment (furniture is a noncount noun).
She is going to select the furniture that she needs (the specific furniture that she needs).
She hopes to find some furniture this weekend (an unspecified, limited amount of furniture).
Examples of the Use of Articles
We are going to see the Statue of Liberty this weekend (the only Statue of Liberty).
Additional Information Regarding the Use of Articles
When indicating an unspecified, limited amount of a count or noncount noun, use some.
My cousin was seeking some advice from a counselor (not advice in general or advice about everything, but a limited amount of advice).
Additional Information Regarding the Use of Articles
When indicating an unspecified, limited amount of a count or noncount noun, use some.
I would love some coffee right now (not coffee in general, but a limited amount of coffee).
Additional Information Regarding the Use of Articles
When indicating an unspecified, limited amount of a count or noncount noun, use some.
We might get rain tomorrow. Some rain would be good for the crops (a certain amount of rain, as opposed to rain in general).
Additional Information Regarding the Use of Articles
When indicating an unspecified, limited amount of a count or noncount noun, use some.
There are some drops of water on the table (a limited number, but more than one drop).
Rule #2 - Specific identity known: Use the definite article the with any noun (whether singular or plural, count or noncount) when the specific identity of the noun is known to the reader, as in the following situations:
Use the article the when a particular noun has already been mentioned previously.
I ate an apple yesterday. The apple was juicy and delicious.
Rule #2 - Specific identity known: Use the definite article the with any noun (whether singular or plural, count or noncount) when the specific identity of the noun is known to the reader, as in the following situations:
Use the article the when an adjective, phrase, or clause describing the noun clarifies or restricts its identity.
The boy sitting next to me raised his hand.
Thank you for the advice you gave me.
Rule #2 - Specific identity known: Use the definite article the with any noun (whether singular or plural, count or noncount) when the specific identity of the noun is known to the reader, as in the following situations:
Use the article the when the noun refers to something or someone that is unique.
the theory of relativity
the 2003 federal budget
Rule #1 - Specific identity not known: Use the indefinite article a or an only with a singular count noun whose specific identity is not known to the reader. Use a before nouns that begin with a consonant sound, and use an before nouns that begin with a vowel sound.
Use the article a or an to indicate any non-specified member of a group or category.
I think an animal is in the garage
That man is a scoundrel.
We are looking for an apartment.
