Use of the indefinite article in English. The article a, an, the in English: examples of use, rules. The article is not used at all

IN English language- unlike Russian, special words - articles - are widely used. The article and the rules for its use in English are presented below in examples to facilitate the perception of the necessary material. In English there are two articles: the definite the and uncertain a (an) . The article is generally placed only before nouns. The indefinite article applies exclusively to singular countable nouns, but the definite article can be applied to various singular and plural nouns, whether they are countable or not.

First, let's remember in what cases the article is not used. The article is not used if the noun is preceded by (one, two, six, etc), a possessive or (this, that, my, our etc.), another noun in the possessive case (my father's, Mary's etc.), or the negation “no” (Not not!). Examples:

• My room is not big, but comfortable - My room is small but comfortable.
• There are two boys in the yard - there are two boys in the yard.
• I have no brother - I don’t have a brother.

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Note: if a noun in the possessive case functions as an adjective, the use of an article is possible, for example: Paul is a man's name (male name). Paula is a woman's name(female name). It's a children's bicycle(children bicycle).

The article is not used with uncountable nouns denoting an indefinite amount of substance or an abstract concept:

• I don’t like tea, I prefer coffee. — I don’t like tea, I prefer coffee ( Tea coffee- at all)
• Friendship is one of the most important things in my life. — Friendship is one of the most important things in my life (friendship is an abstract concept)

The article is not used with names of sports:

• I am fond of football, and my sister prefers badminton. — I love football, and my sister prefers badminton.

Also, the article is not used with proper names (except for some geographical names, which will be discussed below).

Indefinite article "a"

The indefinite article is "a". “an” is not an independent article, but an indefinite form that is used before nouns that begin with a vowel sound: an apple, an orange.

• The forms a and an are remnants of the Old English word for "one", so The indefinite article is used only with singular nouns.

The indefinite article is used in the following cases:

• When the item is mentioned for the first time. For example, I live in a house.
• When designating a profession or occupation. For example, She is a teacher. My friend is a student.
• After: This is, That is, It is, There is. For example, This is a computer. There is a rose in the vase.
• If an adjective characterizing it is used with a noun, in such cases the article is placed before the adjective. Example: This is a flower. This is a red flower.
• Remember the use of the indefinite article in sentences of the following type

- What a beautiful color!
- What a tasty cake!
- What a good girl!

The definite article "the"

The definite article is used in the following cases:

• If we are talking about a specific subject or subjects (both singular and plural), which we have already talked about, or understand from the context what we are talking about. For example, Yesterday I saw a film. The film was not interesting. / I know all the people in this photo.
• With items that are one of a kind - Thesun, thewind, themoontheearth
• After . For example, There is a cat in front of the monitor.
• C – the smallest – the smallest, the quickest – the fastest
• C, for example: the first book, the fifth floor (BUT: if the ordinal number indicates a number, the article is not used: Lesson 7, Bus 15, page 45)
• With cardinal directions: In the north; in the south; in the east; in the west
• With the surname - if we are talking about the whole family - the Ivanovs - Ivanovs, the Smiths - Smiths
• In stable phrases: In the morning; in the evening; in the afternoon; to the cinema/theatre; to the shop/market; at the cinema/the theater; at the shop/the market

Note: The definite article the can also be used with uncountable nouns when talking about a certain amount of a substance:

• Pour out the water from the jug. It is not fresh. - Pour the water out of the jug, it is stale (certain water is the one in the jug).

Definite article with geographical names

The definite article must be used with the following geographical names:

• seas - the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea
• oceans - the Pacific ocean
• rivers - the Voilga, the Nile
• channels – the English Channel
• bays, straits - the Gulf of Mexico, the Bosphorus Straits
• archipelagos - the Seichelles
• deserts - the Sahara, the Gobi
• mountain ranges - the Alps
• countries, if the name contains the word Republic, Federation, Kingdom, it is in the plural (t he Netherlands) or abbreviated as (the USA, the UK)

The article is not used with the names of countries, lakes, mountains (peaks), islands, cities, continents, streets, squares, airports. Exceptions:

• theGambia— Gambia,
• the Hague - The Hague

The definite article is also used with the names of hotels, cinemas, theaters, newspapers and magazines.

We have reflected the basic rules for using the article. There are many nuances, and the scope of one article does not allow mentioning everything. But we have prepared another video lesson about some difficult cases of using the article:

We hope that the above will help you understand articles in English and use them correctly in your speech, but do not forget that repetition is the mother of learning, do not be lazy to revise the rules as often as possible.

In this lesson we will consider the topic “Articles in English”. Let's study what articles exist and the basic rules of use in constructions. The analysis is carried out at a level understandable for children and adults.

The use of articles together with nouns in English is a rather voluminous topic, so you should be patient.

In English, the article (The Article) is the main definition of nouns. When constructing a sentence, the first thing they start with is thinking about articles, the speaker defines a definite or indefinite noun and then puts the articles. In other words, we are talking about something specific or something general. There are no articles in the Russian language, which is why this topic causes certain difficulties for many.

When composing a construction in English, the article is used in almost all cases. There are:

• The Definite Article or the definite article to which it refers The;
• The Indefinite Article or indefinite article, which refers to an And a.

We will study 3 cases of using the article - the use of the indefinite, definite article and cases when the article is not used at all in the construction.

Definite Articles in English (The Definite Article)

This part of speech has only one form, the. From a grammatical point of view, it comes from the demonstrative pronoun “that - that”.

1. The definite article The Definite Article is used in a sentence when talking about an object that has already been talked about or in cases where the interlocutor understands what the conversation is about.
   For example, Please show me the book. - Show me this book, please.
2. This part of speech is also used in a sentence when interlocutors talk about an object that is one of a kind.
   For example, The sun is in the sky. - The sun is in the sky.
3. applies in all cases when interlocutors talk about a musical group, newspaper, cinema, restaurant.
   For example, The Beatles - The Beatles.
4. The name of nationality, when not talking about someone specific, but generalizing all representatives of the clan, is used with the part of speech in question.
   For example, the Americans. - Americans.
5. The definite article is used in some phrases.
   For example, at the cinema/ the theater - to the cinema/theater. A stable design was used here.
6. If a proper name contains the words kingdom (kingdom), union (union), republic (republic), this article is used together with them.
   For example, The United Kingdom - United Kingdom.
7. This part of speech is used in sentences after prepositions of place.
8. If there is a construction “next, last + some time period,” we put this article in front of the entire construction.
   For example, the next day - the next day.
   For example, There is a cat in front of the monitor. – There’s a cat in front of the screen.
9. If we are talking about the whole family, then the article in question is also placed before the surname.
   For example, The Petrovs are at home. - Petrov's houses.
10. objects are also used in construction with the part of speech in question.
    For example, the Arctic - Arctic and the Alps - Alps.

    Attention, the article is not used in the names of countries, streets, airports, islands.

11. If a proper name is expressed by a title and after it there is such a meaning of, the article in question is used.
    Example, The Prince of Wales - Prince of Wales.
12. In English, as in Russian, there is an adjective that is used without a noun, but denotes a group of people. This form should also be preceded by this part of speech .
    For example, The old - old people.
13. If the construction contains a superlative adjective, articles definite are also used before it.
    Example, the quickest - the fastest.
14. The is used whenever there is an "of" before the noun.
    For example, The Tower of London - Tower in London.
15. With cardinal points, this article is always used in the design.
    For example, the Northern part of our country - the north of our country.
16. If the sentence contains the word only (meaning only), then here we also use the article in question.
    For example, She was the only beautiful woman in his life. - She was the only beautiful woman in his life.
17. And the last case of using articles is before an ordinal number.
    Example: We are on the fourth floor. - We're on the fifth floor.

This article in question is used with nouns used in the singular and plural.

Indefinite article

The indefinite article in English has two forms, a and an. They are derived from the ancient Greek word meaning “one.” That is why the use of this article is possible only in conjunction with singular nouns. Its spelling depends on what sound the noun after it begins with (with a vowel or a consonant, for example, an hour, a uniform).

For example, A goose - goose and an apple - apple.

This part of speech is used when interlocutors are talking about an abstract concept rather than a concrete object. For example, a dog means any animal of the canine genus, not your pet.

1. The Indefinite Article is used before singular countable nouns when talking about an object being discussed for the first time.
   For example, A man came up to a policeman. – The man approached the policeman.
2. In constructions that talk about speed or price, this part of speech is also used.
   For example, 6 dollars a kilo - 6 dollars per kg. 40 km an hour - 40 km per hour.
3. If a singular countable noun is used, denoting a representative of a class of objects, the indefinite article is used.
   For example, A child needs love. - The child needs love. It’s worth going into a little more detail here. Child in context means any child, all children who need love. We are not talking about any specific child, but about the whole class in the plural, and it doesn’t matter how many objects it contains.
4. The Indefinite Article is used in cases where we talk about an indefinite quantity of any items or objects.
   For example, Pass me a piece of bread. - Pass me (some) bread.
5. This part of speech is used in exclamatory sentences if there is a singular countable noun.
   For example, What a pretty baby! - What a cute baby!
6. The Indefinite Article is applied by the job title.
   For example: He is a doctor. - He is a doctor.
7. The indefinite article is used before singular countable nouns, defined by the words most, such, rather, quite, meaning “very”.
   For example, It is a most interesting book. - This is a very interesting book.
8. If the construction contains an adjective that characterizes a noun, they should be preceded by an indefinite article.
   For example, This is a red flower. - These are red flowers.
9. The indefinite article is also placed after There is, This is, It is, That is.
   Example: There is a rose in the vase. - Rose in a vase.
10. The Indefinite Article is used in cases where the meaning one is implied before countable nouns that denote a time period.
    For example, Will you be back in an hour? – Will you be back in an hour?
11. If there is a noun with the meaning “any or any”, the indefinite article is also used in this case.
    For example, A cow gives milk. A cow (any kind) gives milk.
12. The indefinite article is used in cases where the noun is represented by a nominal predicate.
    For example, He is a talented writer. - He is a talented writer.

Other English topics: Indefinite article in English (indefinite article): all cases of use

Please note that the indefinite article is not used with proper names, however, in some cases it can be used before Mr/Mrs/Miss + surname. Used if the person is not known to other interlocutors.

Please note that when listing items and objects, the indefinite article is used.

Zero article or no article

In English, constructions are constructed, as we said above, with definite or indefinite articles. However, there are situations when it is not necessary to use this part of speech. In this case we talk about the zero article.

1. The zero article is used in cases where the sentence is composed with uncountable nouns denoting gases, liquids and other indefinite concepts.
   For example, Compassion is one of his brightest features. “Compassion is one of his most striking traits.” In this case, compassion is a feeling, that is, an abstract concept. Water is necessary for life. - Water is essential for life. Everything is clear here, water is a liquid.

   However, drawing a parallel with the definite article, we see that with The Definite Article we are talking about a specific substance or object.

   For example, The rice we ate yesterday was delicious. – The rice we ate yesterday was delicious.

2. The zero article is used when we are talking about a plural countable noun to mean a group of objects or people.
   For example, Trees produce oxygen. – Trees produce oxygen. (in this case trees are used as a group of plants united general concept: not any specific trees - those growing near our house or a neighbor's, but all trees)
   I like the trees outside my house. – I like the trees near my house. In this case, the definite article should be inserted, since we are talking about specific trees that grow near my house.
   Articles in the construction are not required if we mean words that mean eating. Then they are lowered.
   For example, Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. – Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

   However, by slightly changing the sentence by adding an adjective to the noun, we get a completely different construction with an indefinite article.

   Example: Mr. Simpson had a tasty supper. — Mr. Simpson had a delicious dinner.

3. The zero article is used with the words home, college, school, university and bed if they have their literal meaning.
   Compare: Jack was in prison. – Jack was in prison. (as a prisoner) and Jack’s mother went to the prison to see him. – Jack’s mother went to prison to see him. (she went to the prison building as a visitor). Here we should recall the topic “Prepositions in English”.
4. Many phrases in English do not require an article before them. Therefore, before writing any word, you should remember the rule.
   For example, if there is a noun + numeral construction. Open your book on page 21. – Open your book on page 21.
5. Also, if the phrase contains the preposition by + vehicle. She travels by bus all the time. – She travels by bus all the time.
6. If the phrase has a position, rank or title + a proper name, the zero article is used. President Reagan was born in 1911. – President Reagan was born in 1911.
   

   However, if we leave one rank or title and remove the proper name, we get a construction with a definite article.

   For example, Yesterday the Minister of Education attended the biggest university in the country. – Yesterday the Minister of Education visited the largest university in the country.

7. If in our speech we talk about a unique profession or position, we should do this without an article. The usual profession is used with the definite article.
   Application: He is a sales manager in this department. – He works as a sales manager in this department (he is one of all sales managers in the department).
   He’s been appointed (the) top manager of this department. – He was appointed top manager of this department (there is only one top manager in this department).
8. If a noun has a meaning that expresses more quality than the object itself, the zero article is used in English.
   For example, You are not even man enough to admit your fault. You don't even have the courage to admit your guilt.
9. Usually the article with days of the week and months is not used.
10. There is no need to use the article before many names:

• Dishes, drinks. She cooks lasagna every Friday. She cooks lasagna every Friday.
• Types of sports or games. Football is a popular game. – Football is a popular game.
• Languages. I speak French. - I speak French. The exception is the use of the name of a language, which already contains the word “language”; in this case we use the definite article. The French language is spoken in some parts of Canada. – In some parts of Canada they speak French.
• Diseases. This boy is sick with asthma. This boy has asthma. However, there is a group of diseases whose names we use in speech, both with the definite and zero articles. These include: mumps / the mumps (mumps), measles / the measles (measles), flu / the flu (flu). She caught (the) meats. “She caught measles.”
• Color range. Red is my favorite color. – Red is my favorite color.
• Cities and everything that it consists of - bridges, squares, streets, parks. Times Square is located in the central part of Manhattan. – Times Square is located in the central part of Manhattan.
• Significant buildings related to public and consisting of two words. My dream is to see Buckingham Palace. – My dream is to see Buckingham Palace. An exception to this rule: correctly, the White House.
• Hotels and banks, establishments and shops that were named after the people who founded them. The prices in Johnson's Pharmacy are cheap. – Prices at Johnson's pharmacy are cheaper.
• Countries whose name consists of one word. I'm from England. - I am from England. When talking about a country whose name consists of more than one word or is used in the plural, use the definite article. The United States of America (United States of America) and the Philippines (Philippines).
• Some geographical objects are also used with a zero article. These include: single islands, continents, lakes and mountains. Mount Etna is a volcano. – Mount Etna is a volcano. Madagascar is known for its nature. – Madagascar is famous for its nature.

Above we studied the main cases when the article is not used in a sentence. The absence of an article in the English language occurs, as you have seen, in many cases.

In what cases is the article omitted?

In some English sentences the article is omitted, although it should be in the construction. This happens in cases where the sentence should be made as concise as possible, then it is advisable not to use them:

• In production scripts. Actors stand near cupboard, then move to window. – The actors stand at the buffet, then move to the window.
• In the newspaper headlines. Seven people witness UFO. – Seven people saw a UFO.
• In notes, footnotes, dictionary entries. John Updike. American poet, dramatist, author of the novel “Rabbit, run”. – John Updike. American poet, playwright, author of the novel “Rabbit, Run.”
• In telegrams. Monthly report needed send first opportunity. – Monthly report required, please send as soon as possible.

It is worth noting that in the modern world, native speakers themselves use the article quite freely. Instead of definite, he says indefinite, and vice versa, and also their omit completely. We are not recommended to do this when learning English.

Summary table of the use of articles in the British language

To summarize all of the above, we present to your attention a table that contains all the material on the topic being studied, “The Use of Articles in English.”

The Article [" RtIkl ]

An article is a function word, which is one of the main formal features of a noun.

It has no independent/separate meaning and is not translated into Russian. There are two articles in English - the indefinite and the definite. There are no articles in Russian.

1 Indefinite article has two forms: a And an .

Form a with a consonant: a man Human, a table table, a big apple Big apple, a woman, a good engineer. Form an used before words that begin with a vowel sound:an answer answer, an apple apple, an old man old man, an uncle, an hour, an old woman, an engineer.

The indefinite article comes from the Old English numeral anone, therefore it is used only before singular countable nouns. In the plural, it is omitted (the so-called “zero article”), and sometimes replaced by indefinite pronouns somesome, anyanyone, everyone.

2 Definite article has one graphic form the, which is pronounced [ Dq] before words that begin with a consonant (the book book, the woman , the good engineer ), and [ D.I.] before words that begin with a vowel sound (the author author, the apple apple, the old house, the engineer, the old woman).

The definite article comes from the demonstrative pronoun thatThat and is used before singular and plural nouns.

The article, as a rule, is unstressed and is pronounced together with the word that follows it.

1 with the indefinite article, when it names any - any object from the entire class of homogeneous objects.

This is a table. This table. (an object that is usually called a table, not a chair, etc.)

His father is a doctor. His father - doctor . (one of those who is called a doctor, and not a teacher, driver, etc.)

2 The noun is used with the definite article, when we are talking about a specific object (or objects), isolated from the class of objects to which it belongs. Such a selection occurs in the presence of at least one of three individualizing factors: individualizing definition in the text, clear from context(as already said earlier) or clear depends on a situation.

Thank you for the book you have bought me. thanks for book, which you bought for me.

John has brought a book. The book is interesting.John brought book. (some kind) The book is interesting. (the one he brought)

The doctor examined John.Doctor looked at John. (specific doctor, the one who was called)

Let's look at an example:

Additional information conveyed by the articles themselves means:

A) He knocked on the door he knew(which I found on purpose, or it was the only one) and someone's voice, a complete stranger, answered him.

b) He knocked on some door(any, at random) and suddenly a familiar voice(known to him) answered.

The noun in a sentence can be explained and clarified with various words and phrases that give additional characteristics to the noun. In a general sense, they are all called noun definitions. It is fundamentally important to understand whether this definition is individualizing or descriptive.

Individualizing (other names – restrictive, limiting) definition distinguishes an object (person, object, concept) as the only one from all other objects that have the same name. In this case, be sure to face the creatures. the definite article is used the.

Descriptive definition gives an object (person, object, concept) additional characteristics, but does not distinguish it as the only and unique one from the category of similar objects. This definition does not affect the choice of article. It may be certain the- if there are other individualizing factors, uncertain a (an) - if there are none, or zero (absence of an article) - in the plural in the absence of individualizing factors.

Indefinite article a(an) used before countables nouns (that can be counted) in the only one number.

1 First mentioned. When a person, thing, or concept appears in a context for the first time. They are still unknown to the interlocutor or the reader.

When repeatedly mentioning a person or thing, the definite article is used:

Often a subject still unknown to the reader or interlocutor is referred to there is (there was, there will be). Then before countable nouns singular The indefinite article is used:

And countable nouns in plural in this case they are used without an article or with pronouns somesome(V affirmative sentences),anyanyhow, not at all(in question and negative sentences), which are often omitted when translated into Russian:

2 IN classification value. The presence of an indefinite article shows that a given object (person, animal) is a representative of this particular class of objects (persons, animals).

At the same time, a noun may also have a descriptive definition (adjective, participle, etc.), which does not distinguish it (as the only one) from the category of similar ones.

3 IN general meaning. A noun with an indefinite article in this meaning means anyone, everyone, everyone an object (person, animal) from this class of objects (persons, animals). It is understood that the mentioned quality (property, etc.) is typical and characteristic of any representative of this class.

4 IN numerical value. In some cases, the indefinite article retains its original meaning - one .

It is used along with the numeral one one before hundred one hundred, thousand thousand, million million, dozen dozen:

5 IN exclamatory sentences. Before a singular countable noun that comes after a word what what kind of:

There is no article before uncountable nouns and countable plural nouns:

The article in English is service part speech, stands before a noun, adverb or adjective and helps to better understand the context of the statement. Articles are not typical for the Russian language: we characterize the objects being discussed in oral and written speech in other ways: through intonation, pronouns, particles, suffixes, etc.

Historically, the British, Americans, Germans, French, Spanish and some other peoples speaking languages ​​of the Romance and Germanic groups consider it important to clarify each noun in terms of meaning, emphasizing their variety with the help of special short words, which will be discussed in today's article.

Definite article "the"

The article “the” in English is definite because it gives the word the meaning of concreteness, in some cases it emphasizes the uniqueness of an object, object or phenomenon.

It is easy to notice that the article “the”, without distorting the meaning of the statement, can be replaced by demonstrative pronouns“that, this, these, those.”

Cases of using the definite article the

It’s a very complicated task to find out the truth while everyone is trying to make up a new lie. - It is very difficult to find the truth where everyone is trying to invent a new fable.

This example clearly reflects functional specifics definite article “the”: the truth is unique and unique in the situation of the speaker, it is one, there cannot be another, so we say “the truth”.

The sun was shining brightly for the whole morning, so it was impossible to stay asleep. - This morning the sun was shining so brightly that it was impossible to sleep any longer.

The sun is unique, there is no other like it on earth, therefore “the sun”. The same applies to our planet: “the Earth” Earth. There is another definite article in the sentence that defines the word “morning”: the speaker means a specific morning of the day.

“Not last night, sir, I didn’t know.”

“Why do you know so positively?”

“Because the box was empty...” -

"Not last night sir, I know she couldn't do it."

“Why are you talking about this so confidently?”

"Because the box was empty..."

He placed himself as close as he could to the information booth. - He positioned himself as close as possible to the information stand.

At the described moment in time, the hero could rely on a single information stand, and the corresponding article before the word emphasizes this idea.

I have a plan. The plan is too easy to realize, that’s why few people will choose it and it will be just ours. - I have a plan. This plan is very easy to implement, so few people will choose it, which means it will be ours alone.

In the first sentence the listener learned about the presence "no one" plan for the first time. In the second sentence the same plan was again encountered. In Russian, demonstrative pronouns are “this, these, this, that, that, those”, etc. perform the same role as the article "the" in English.

They lived in a very small flat. The flat was located in a new house near the library. - They lived in a small apartment. This apartment was located in a new building not far from the library.

The first person she noticed on board was her cousin who knew nothing about her trip. “The first person she noticed on board was her cousin, who knew nothing about her journey.

These students are going to study Japanese as the second foreign language. - These students are going to study Japanese as a second foreign language.

I know exactly that the most difficult thing for my child is to concentrate: he has always been too active. - I know for sure that the most difficult thing for my child is to concentrate on something: he is too active.

The coldest month we’ve ever had is this November. - This November is the coldest month in our memory.

This way of having negotiations is the worst: if you speak so quickly, nobody will understand what you mean. - This is the worst way to negotiate: if you continue to jabber like this, no one will understand what you are talking about.

• the group - group;
• the crowd - the crowd;
• the company - company;
• the staff - staff;
• the public - public, etc.

Lions, tigers and lynxes belong to the cat family. - Lions, tigers and lynxes belong to the cat family.

The Chinese tourist group is coming to our museum tomorrow. - A group of Chinese tourists will come to our museum tomorrow.

The generalization can also apply to surnames meaning “family”:

The Addams is the creepiest family of the previous century. - The Addams Family is the most frightening of the last century.

The Smith usually spent summer in the village. - The Smiths usually spend their summer in the village.

• one of - one of;
• each of - each of;
• some of - some of;
• many of - many;
• most of - most;
• all - everything;
• both of - both.

Each of the scientists supposed that it’s going to be the last week spent in the expedition. - Every scientist thought that the last week of the expedition had come.

Even all the words you know cannot express the range of emotions you feel. - Even all the words you know cannot express the range of emotions you experience.

Some of the people were only waiting for the end while others were happily sinking in their own memories. “They happily drowned in their own memories while others were just waiting for the outcome.

Both of the twins prefer oil paintings to other kinds of art. - Both twins prefer oil painting other types of art.

• the cinema - cinema;
• the radio - radio;
• the theater - theater;
• the weather - weather;
• the equator - the equator;
• the world - the world;
• the ground - earth;
• the jungle - the jungle;
• the seaside - coast;
• the sky - the sky;
• the piano - piano;
• the park - park;
• the tango - tango;
• the waltz - waltz.

While going to the cinema, we heard a terrifying noise from the park. - On the way to the cinema, we heard a terrible noise coming from the park.

Beautiful birds were disappearing deep in the sky. - Beautiful birds disappeared deep into the sky.

I want to watch the last film from the very beginning. - I want to watch the last film from the very beginning.

The only reason for Jane to come there is her favorite musical band’s performance. - The only reason Jane would go there is for her favorite band to perform.

Indefinite article a/an - Indefinite article

There are two indefinite articles in English: “a” and “an”. They are equivalent and perform the same function: they indicate that there is only one subject, one of many, or is encountered in the text for the first time.

Article "a" used before a consonant sound "an"- before a vowel.

In most cases, the indefinite article can be replaced by the word "one" one.

Give me a one pen, please. - Give me one pen, please.

Cases of using the indefinite article a - an

We are staying in a large wooden house. The house is located far from noisy cities. - We are located in a large wooden house. The house is located far from noisy cities.

In the first sentence, the house is only introduced into the narrative through the indefinite article.

She was trying to choose a big orange. The orange suddenly fell down, and I found it as a great opportunity to get acquainted. - She tried to choose a larger orange. He suddenly fell, and I considered this an excellent opportunity to meet.

It’s such a lovely melody! - What a wonderful melody!

The reptile seems to be quite a strange creature. - This reptile seems like a rather strange creature.

It’s a rather chilly climate in Alaska. - Alaska has a fairly frosty climate.

She saw there rather a beautiful building. “There she came across a rather beautiful building.

My mother has a little milk in the refrigerator: we can cook pancakes. - Mom has enough milk in the refrigerator: we can fry pancakes.

There are a few cars near our house: I can't park here. - There are quite a few cars near our house: I can't park here.

There are a lot of toys in the room. - There are a lot of toys in this room.

There is a lot of sugar in the kitchen. - There is a lot of sugar in the kitchen.

Uncountable items in English are almost no different from their Russian equivalents: salt, water, milk, sand, tea, coffee, chocolate, jam, etc.

It’s raining cats and dogs, but we have no food in the refrigerator: let’s go and buy a bottle of milk, a loaf of bread, a bar of chocolate and a kilo of fruit. - It’s raining so much that you can’t kick the dog out of the house, but we have absolutely nothing to eat: let’s go and buy a bottle of milk, a loaf of bread, a bar of chocolate and a kilogram of fruit.

It's a quarter to eight. - It's 7.45 now.

It seems I’ve caught a cold while skating today. - It seems I caught a cold at the skating rink today.

We go to the theater twice a year. - We go to the theater twice a year.

To have a good health you should go in for sports three times a week at least. - To be healthy, you need to exercise at least three times a week.

A/the Snake is a reptile. - A snake is a reptile.

Man is a mammal. - Man is a mammal.

The / a spider is an insect. - A spider is an insect.

Zero article - Zero article

There is no need to put an article in cases where we are talking about indefinite nouns in the plural, or about people, calling their names. However, there are a number of additions and exceptions to the use of the zero article in English.

Hello again! The Article is the main determiner of a word in an English sentence. Before using any noun, you need to decide what object is being talked about: any or specific. In English, an article is almost always placed before a noun, depending on the type of word (specific/generalized) - definite (Definite) or indefinite (Indefinite).

In this article we will look at what it is the Indefinite Article and cases where the indefinite article is used in English.

Let me remind you that the indefinite article "a/an" derived from the Old English evolved numeral " one" This auxiliary part of speech singles out one item from many similar ones, which is no different from its analogues and you know a minimum of information about it: I had a sandwich.

Word with undefined The article is the name of the object as a whole, and not a pointer to a specific object. For example, saying the word “ a book“We present books in general, and not any specific book. In Russian, its meaning can be expressed in the following words: some, one of, any, one, every, some, each, any. May sometimes be replaced by pronouns any(everyone) and some(some).

The fact that Indefinite Article comes from a numeral determines the basic rules for its use:

• "a/an" is only used with countable persons or objects that we can count: a lamp, a car, an apple a cup - Have a drink
• Since this is the numeral “one,” “a/an” is used only with words in the singular, and in the plural the article is omitted: lamps, cars — There are bottles

Other uses of Indefinite Article:

• When assigning an object to any classification group: A horse is an animal. — A horse is an animal.
• When characterizing an object, person or phenomenon: Bill is an idiot! - Bill is an idiot! My mother is a doctor. - My mom is a doctor.
• When a person or phenomenon is first mentioned: That's a pretty woman - Beautiful woman
• In the meaning of a portion with uncountables: Buy a milk. — Buy ​​milk. Or in the meaning of a certain quantity of a specific whole: Pass me a piece of, and pie. Pass me a piece of the pie
• Before the name of the position or profession: She's an architect.—She's an architect. He is a seller
• In a general sense : A sheep gives a wool - Sheep (any) gives wool
• Before a countable, denoting time, in the meaning of “one”: Will you arrive in an hour? — Will you arrive in an hour?
• With some quantity turnover: a little - a little, a pair - pair, a few - several
• Together with singular nouns that can be counted and qualified words most (very), quite, such, rather - He is quite a young man - He is still quite a young man.
• In exclamatory sentences, after the word “what”: What a beautiful dream! - What a wonderful dream!

That's all you need to know!

What is the difference between "a" and "an"?

In English there are two types of neodef. article: "a" And " an". What is the difference between them? Take a close look at the presented examples and you will see a certain pattern: “a” is used when the subsequent word begins with a consonant letter or sound ( a h ouse, a c at, a y ard), and “an” - before a vowel sound or letter ( an h our, an o ld woman, an a pple).

See you later!

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