Articles –
The indefinite article – a/an
We use (a/an) with a singular countable noun when the listener doesn't know which particular thing is being referred to, or it doesn't matter which one. This is because:
It is one of many of the same class
e.g. a job, an apple.
We mention a person or thing for the first time:
I'm reading a really good article.
Note: We use the indefinite article (an) only with nouns that begin with a vowel.
Examples:
1. I saw a dog running in the park.
2. She bought an apple from the market.
3. There is a book on the table.
4. He needs an umbrella because it's raining.
5. They're looking for a job in the city.
The definite article – The
We use the ( with any noun ) when it is known which particular item is being referred to . This is because the thing / person :
1. The :
A .was mentioned before
I’m reading a really good article .The article talks about –
B .is unique
Half of the population live in the capital .
C .is defined specifically by the words that follow :
My grandmother is still the head of the family .
We also use ( the ) with:
*superlatives
The largest city in Jordan is ..
*comparative ( when identifying one of a pair )
I have two sisters . The older sister lives in Egypt.
*ordinal numbers
The first time I went there in 2018 .
*decades , centuries
in the 1950s , in the 18th century .
Zero article – 0
*We use no article with plural and uncountable nouns when we make General statements .
Life was very hard and over one million people emigrated .
*We use no article with words like prison , hospital , school , college, etc . When we are talking about their purpose as an institution
e.g I go to school every day .
He’s been in hospital for two weeks now.
*We also use zero article with most place names . ( exceptions : the USA, the UK , the UAE , the Hague )
- Examples:
1. Dogs are loyal animals.
2. I love coffee in the morning.
3. Happiness is the key to a good life.
4. Cars are becoming more expensive these days.
5. She enjoys playing piano in her free time.
