Articles

Articles

Definite, Indefinite & Zero

Definite, Indefinite & Zero Articles

Articles are short words which come before nouns to show whether they refer to a general or a specific object. There are several rules telling which article, if any, should be used.

THE INDEFINITE ARTICLE

a / an

INDEFINITE ARTICLE

The indefinite article “a” or “an” is used to talk about something in general.

INDEFINITE ARTICLE

The indefinite article is used to talk about a general thing among many of its type. The exact one is not yet known.

INDEFINITE ARTICLE

The indefinite article is also used to show a noun belongs to a group or category.

Multiple Choice

Is there ___ bank near here?

• a

• an

Multiple Choice

Jim isn't ____ artist.

• a

• an

THE DEFINITE ARTICLE

The

DEFINITE ARTICLE

The definite article “the” is used to talk about a specific person or thing that everyone understands.

DEFINITE ARTICLE

It is used when a person or thing has been mentioned already, “the” is used the next time the thing or person is talked about.

DEFINITE ARTICLE

The definite article is used before superlatives.

DEFINITE ARTICLE

The definite article is also used with unique objects and also, unique titles.

Using "The" to specify

“The” can be followed by a prepositional phrase or a defining relative clause to specify which thing someone is talking about.

Multiple Choice

The computers in this office are too slow.

• Prepositional Phrase?

• Relative clause?

Multiple Choice

The books that I bought yesterday are for my son's birthday.

• Prepositional Phrase?

• Relative clause?

“The” with adjectives for certain groups

Some adjectives can be used with the definite article to refer to a group or class of people. 

NB: These phrases are plural in meaning, but it’s incorrect to say “the youngs,” etc.

Quick Test

The, a or an?

Multiple Choice

He won a medal at ____ Olympic Games.

• the

• a

• an

Multiple Choice

I'd like ___ sandwich and ___ glass of water, please.

• the

• a

• an

Multiple Choice

What ___ amazing view!

• the

• a

• an

Multiple Choice

The climate is best in ____ south-east of the country.

• the

• a

• an

Multiple Choice

There will be a special bus available for ____ elderly.

• the

• a

• an

The Zero Article

_

THE ZERO ARTICLE

An article is not needed with uncountable and plural nouns used in a general context. This is known as the zero article.

THE ZERO ARTICLE

The zero article is also used with some places and institutions when it is clear what their purpose is.

THE ZERO ARTICLE

We use no article before the names of Continents, Countries, Mountains, Lake, Villages, Town and Cities.

THE ZERO ARTICLE

Also, before road names and some diseases like flu, indigestion and depression.

THE ZERO ARTICLE AND GENERIC “THE”

The zero article can be used with plural nouns to talk about a class of things in general. This can also be done with the definite article, plus a singular noun.

DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE ARTICLES WITH NAMES

The Dr Livingstone, I presume?

Articles & Names

The zero article is normally used with the name of a person.

Articles & Names

The definite article is used before a person’s name to differentiate them from another person with the same name.

Articles & Names

The indefinite article is used when the focus is on a particular name, rather than the person.

FINAL ROUND

The, An/A or -

Multiple Choice

He wants to buy __ new car

• The

• a

• an

• _

Multiple Select

I left ___ money on the table.

• The

• a

• an

• _

Multiple Choice

___ shoes Sam bought are very expensive.

• The

• a

• an

• _

Multiple Choice

Sam is always buying ___ shoes.

• The

• a

• an

• _

Multiple Choice

____ future often brings surprises.

• The

• a

• an

• _

Multiple Choice

He's ____ very keen cyclist.

• The

• a

• an

• _

Multiple Choice

The doctor said she was suffering from ____ depression

• The

• a

• an

• _

Multiple Choice

Wait. I'll just get my bag out of ___ locker.

• The

• a

• an

• _