SPITZ LAURA

Plan

First learn the rules

→ The basic reflexes

I. Definition of Articles

A. Indefinite Articles: a and an

B.Definite Article: the

II. Further Uses of Articles

A. Countable vs. Non-countable

B. First vs. Subsequent Mention

C. Omission of Articles

Then do the exercises

First learn the rules….

→ Basic reflexes

What is to remember: These words are used to limit or define in some way.

To use the right article, for about 90% of cases, you have to make a number of quite simple choices.

1. Nouns: Proper or Common?

2. Common Nouns: Countable or Uncountable?

3. Uncountable Nouns: General or Defined?

4. Countable Nouns: General or Specific?

5. Specific Nouns : Undefined or Defined?

and for most of the other 10% you just have to know about a few special cases:

6. Proper Nouns: Special Cases

7. Common Nouns: Special Cases

8. Figures of speech

9. Adjectives used as nouns

10. Nationality words (this is not just an exercise on articles)

I. Definition of articles

English has two types of articles: definite (the) and indefinite (a, an.) The use of these articles depends mainly on whether you are referring to any member of a group, or to a specific member of a group:

A. Indefinite Articles: a and an

A and an signal that the noun modified is indefinite, referring to any member of a group. These indefinite articles are used with singular nouns when the noun is general; the corresponding indefinite quantity word some is used for plural general nouns. The rule is:

• a + singular noun beginning with a consonant: a boy
• an + singular noun beginning with a vowel: an elephant
• a + singular noun beginning with a consonant sound: a user (sounds like 'yoo-zer,' i.e. begins with a consonant 'y' sound, so 'a' is used)
• some + plural noun: some girls

If the noun is modified by an adjective, the choice between a and an depends on the initial sound of the adjective that immediately follows the article:

• a broken egg
• an unusual problem
• a European country (sounds like 'yer-o-pi-an,' i.e. begins with consonant 'y' sound)

Note also that in English, the indefinite articles are used to indicate membership in a profession, nation, or religion.

• I am a teacher.
• Brian is an Irishman.
• Seiko is a practicing Buddhist.

B. Definite Article: the

The definite article is used before singular and plural nouns when the noun is particular or specific. The signals that the noun is definite, that it refers to a particular member of a group. Compare the indefinite and definite articles in the following examples:

	Indefinite (a or an)	Definite (the)
Singular	a dog (any dog) an apple (any apple)	the dog (that specific dog) the apple (that specific apple)
Plural	some dogs (any dogs) some apples (any apples)	the dogs (those specific dogs) the apples (those specific apples)

The is not used with non countable nouns referring to something in a general sense:

[no article] Coffee is a popular drink.
[no article] Japanese was his native language.
[no article] Intelligence is difficult to quantify.

The is used with non countable nouns that are made more specific by a limiting modifying phrase or clause:

The coffee in my cup is too hot to drink.
The Japanese he speaks is often heard in the countryside.
The intelligence of animals is variable but undeniable.

The is also used when a noun refers to something unique:

the White House
the theory of relativity
the 1999 federal budget

→Note: Geographical uses of the

Do not use the before:

• names of countries (Italy, Mexico, Bolivia) except the Netherlands and the US
• names of cities, towns, or states (Seoul, Manitoba, Miami)
• names of streets (Washington Blvd., Main St.)
• names of lakes and bays (Lake Titicaca, Lake Erie) except with a group of lakes like the Great Lakes
• names of mountains (Mount Everest, Mount Fuji) except with ranges of mountains like the Andes or the Rockies or unusual names like the Matterhorn
• names of continents (Asia, Europe)
• names of islands (Easter Island, Maui, Key West) except with island chains like the Aleutians, the Hebrides, or the Canary Islands

Do use the before:

• names of rivers, oceans and seas (the Nile, the Pacific)
• points on the globe (the Equator, the North Pole)
• geographical areas (the Middle East, the West)
• deserts, forests, gulfs, and peninsulas (the Sahara, the Persian Gulf, the Black Forest, the Iberian Peninsula)

II. Further Uses of Articles

In addition, use of a, an, and the also depends on whether the noun following the article possesses one of these paired qualities:

• Countable vs. non countable
• First vs. subsequent mention
• General vs. specific
  
  

A. Countable vs. Non countable

A and an are used if the noun can be counted.

I stepped in a puddle. (How many puddles did you step in? Just one. Therefore, use a.)
I drank a glass of milk. (Glasses of milk can be counted)
I saw an apple tree. (Apple trees can be counted)

The must be used when the noun cannot be counted.

I dived into the water. (How many waters did you dive into? The question doesn't make any sense because water is non countable. Therefore, use the.)
I saw the milk spill. (How many milks? Milk cannot be counted)
I admired the foliage. (How many foliages? Foliage cannot be counted)

B. First vs. Subsequent Mention

A or an is used to introduce a noun when it is mentioned for the first time in a piece of writing. The is used afterward each time you mention that same noun.

An awards ceremony at the Kremlin would not normally have attracted so much attention. But when it was leaked that Soviet President Konstantin Chernenko would be presenting medals to three cosmonauts, interest in the ceremony intensified. Time, Sept. 17, 1984.

There is a robin in the tree outside my window. When my cat jumps up on the desk, the robin flies away.

C. Omission of Articles

While some nouns combine with one article or the other based on whether they are countable or non countable, others simply never take either article. Some common types of nouns that don't take an article are:

a) Names of languages and nationalities

a. Chinese

b. English

c. Spanish

d. Russian

b) Names of sports

a. volleyball

b. hockey

c. baseball

c) Names of academic subjects

a. mathematics

b. biology

c. history

d. computer science

Then do the exercises…..

Exercise 1

1. I've just seen the Ø latest movie by Spielberg.
2. the Ø freedom is the best thing on Earth.
3. the Ø Prince Charles will be a good King.
4. the Ø boy sitting there is called John.
5. I really like the Ø Queen Elizabeth III.
6. I don't like the Ø vegetables.
7. On the Ø Sundays, I sleep all day long.
8. the Ø house we've just visited is the most expensive.
9. the Ø life is so boring!
10. the Ø Spain is a very nice country!

Exercise 2

    1. She likes ..... cakes

2. I like ..... cakes that your mother made.

    3. ..... president went to ..... Italy ...... last week.

    4. I'm fond of ..... meat.

    5. I didn't like ..... meat we ate yesterday.

    6. ..... queen Elizabeth is very rich!

    7. ..... Irish speak ...... English.

Exercise 3 Complete with a, an or the

raging pipeline fire in Jesse, Delta State which killed over 700 people last weekend was yesterday extinguished by United States fire-fighting company by suffocating flames with thick nitrogen-rich layer of foam.
Workmen from Houston, Texas-based company BJ Services spent less than hour shooting nitrogen-rich foam from hoses onto pipeline before finally choking out fire which raged on for days.
A company official said they had extensive experience in oil fires, and approached government about putting out blaze.
The explosion and fire erupted while over 1,000 people were trying to collect gasoline spilling from the damaged government-owned pipeline. Hundreds of people were believed to have been injured, but many have refused medical care or fled from hospitals, fearing they might be arrested for either causing fire or scavenging gas.

Exercise 4

- bizarre incident occurred when Paul Sirks was trying to get his plane going, after it quit on landing. Sirks was trying to crank propeller when plane took off without pilot. It reached 12,000 feet and flew around for two hours. It finally ran out of gas and crashed in bean field northwest of Columbus.

- 17-year-old was arrested and charged with robbing bank while dressed in cowboy outfit. According to police reports, Dustin Marshall tipped his hat and yelled "Giddyup!" as he pointed "cowboy-type pistol" at bank employees. Marshall was also charged with robbing another bank six days later while wearing ghost mask.

Exercise 5

Hi John,

I arrived in USA last Monday. We left Rome, flew over Alps and made a quick stop in London. There we went shopping in Harrods, visited Tower and enjoyed a sunny afternoon in Hyde Park.
On the following day we left for New York. time on board wasn't boring as there were two films to watch on TV. people on plane were all Italian. Before we landed at JFK airport, we saw Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Empire State Building. hotel I stayed in was on corner of 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. I don't like hotels very much, but I didn't have time to rent an apartment.

Please say hello to Peter and Mandy.

Yours,
Peter

Exercise 6

1. Yesterday, I met ___ girl. Her name is Mary.
2. ___ girl I met yesterday is Mary.
3. Where is ___ dog ?
4. This evening, we will be able to see ___ moon.
5. Have you got ___ pen ?

Exercise 7

Choisissez entre a, an, Ø, et the.

1. In this street, I can see ___ tree and ___ river. ____ tree have ____ leafs (feuilles).
2. ___ boy I have seen yesterday leaves in ___ England.
3. Do you know ___ girl who likes ___ United States ?
4. ___ girls are more tolerant than ___ boys.
5. He is against ___ poverty.
6. Her father is ___ farmer.

Exercise 8

1. Are you shopping for ___ health club to join so you can get in shape?
   a. a
   b. an
   c. the
   d. no article is needed
   Answer a
2. Shop wisely! You could end up choosing ___ wrong club and losing more money than pounds.
   a. a
   b. an
   c. the
   d. no article is needed
   Answer c
3. You may find out too late that ___ health clubs aren't for you.
   a. a
   b. an
   c. the
   d. no article is needed
   Answer d
4. ___ San Diego fitness experts recommend thoroughly checking out several health clubs before you join one.
   a. a
   b. an
   c. the
   d. no article is needed
   Answer d
5. First, know what you want and need in ___ fitness facility, and don't pay for what you'll never use.
   a. a
   b. an
   c. the
   d. no article is needed
   Answer a
6. If you only want exercise classes, ___ exercise studio without weight machines and locker rooms may work for you.
   a. a
   b. an
   c. the
   d. no article is needed
   Answer b
7. If you're looking for ___ place to only do bodybuilding, you'll be happy in a basic gym.
   a. a
   b. an
   c. the
   d. no article is needed
   Answer a
8. You may be in ___ market for a full-service health club; then, make sure it offers lots of activities.
   a. a
   b. an
   c. the
   d. no article is needed
   Answer c
9. Look for a place near your house, and check out ___ exercise instructors and personal trainers.
   a. a
   b. an
   c. the
   d. no article is needed
   Answer c
10. They should be educated in physical education or certified by ___ organization such as the American Council on exercise.
    a. a
    b. an
    c. the
    d. no article is needed
    Answer b
11. Certified instructors have at least some knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology, injury prevention and ___ cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
    a. a
    b. an
    c. the
    d. no article is needed
    Answer d
12. You should evaluate ___ equipment and make sure fitness machines are modern and in working order.
    a. a
    b. an
    c. the
    d. no article is needed
    Answer c
13. Try to talk to other members of the club. Find out what they believe are ___ advantages and disadvantages there.
    a. a
    b. an
    c. the
    d. no article is needed
    Answer c
14. Look in ___ locker room, workout room, and shower--everywhere should be clean.
    a. a
    b. an
    c. the
    d. no article is needed
    Answer c
15. ___ locker room sanitation is usually a good indication of how clean other areas are.
    a. a
    b. an
    c. the
    d. no article is needed
    Answer d
16. Finally, before you sign ___ agreement to join, read the contract carefully.
    a. a
    b. an
    c. the
    d. no article is needed
    Answer b

Exercise 9

Complete the sentences with a suitable article.

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1. I want   -select- a an the no article needed apple from that basket.

2.  -select- a an the no article needed church on the corner is progressive.

3. Miss Lin speaks -select- a an the no article needed Chinese.

4. I borrowed -select- a an the no article needed pencil from your pile of pencils and pens.

5. One of the students said, " -select- a an the no article needed professor is late today."

6. Eli likes to play -select- a an the no article needed volleyball.

7. I bought -select- a an the no article needed   umbrella to go out in the rain.

8. My daughter is learning to play -select- a an the no article needed violin at her school.

9. Please give me -select- a an the no article needed cake that is on the counter.

10. I lived on -select- a an the no article needed Main Street when I first came to town.

11. Albany is the capital of -select- a an the no article needed New Your State.

12. My husband's family speaks -select- a an the no article needed Polish.

13. -select- a an the no article needed apple a day keeps the doctor away.

14.  -select- a an the no article needed ink in my pen is red.

15. Our neighbors have -select- a an the no article needed cat and a dog.

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Exercise 10

Complete the sentences with a suitable article.

1. Albert Einstein was   -select- a an the no article needed famous scientist.

2. Einstein was born in -select- a an the no article needed Germany in 1879.

3. Einstein won -select- a an the no article needed Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

4. Einstein left his country and lived in -select- a an the no article needed States until he died in 1955.

5. Einstein is known for his theory of -select- a an the no article needed relativity.

6. Roentgen was -select- a an the no article needed German physicist who discovered X-rays, revolutionizing medical diagnosis.

7. Roentgen won -select- a an the no article needed   1901 Nobel Prize.

8. Mandela was born in -select- a an the no article needed South Africa.

9. Mandela was -select- a an the no article needed first President elected in South Africa after Apartheid was revoked.

10. Mandela was imprisoned for -select- a an the no article needed nearly 30 years for his anti-apartheid activities.

11. Mother Teresa was -select- a an the no article needed Roman Catholic nun.

12. Mother Teresa became famous for her hard work with -select- a an the no article needed poor.

13. She was -select- a an the no article needed founder of order of nuns called the Missionaries of Charity.

14.  Mother Teresa lived in -select- a an the no article needed Calcutta, India.

15. Mother Teresa received -select- a an the no article needed her Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

Exercise 11

Complete the sentences with a suitable article.

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1. Are you shopping for   -select- a an the no article needed health club to join so you can get in shape?

2. Shop wisely! You could end up choosing -select- a an the no article needed wrong club and losing more money than pounds.

3. You may find out too late that -select- a an the no article needed health clubs aren't for you.

4.  -select- a an the no article needed San Diego fitness experts recommend thoroughly checking out several health clubs before you join one.

5. First, know what you want and need in -select- a an the no article needed fitness facility, and don't pay for what you'll never use.

6. If you only want exercise classes, -select- a an the no article needed exercise studio without weight machines and locker rooms may work for you.

7. If you're looking for -select- a an the no article needed   place to only do bodybuilding, you'll be happy in a basic gym.

8. You may be in -select- a an the no article needed market for a full-service health club; then, make sure it offers lots of activities.

9. Look for a place near your house, and check out -select- a an the no article needed exercise instructors and personal trainers.

10. They should be educated in physical education or certified by -select- a an the no article needed organization such as the American Council on exercise.

11. Certified instructors have at least some knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology, injury prevention and -select- a an the no article needed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

12. You should evaluate -select- a an the no article needed equipment and make sure fitness machines are modern and in working order.

13. Try to talk to other members of the club. Find out what they believe are -select- a an the no article needed advantages and disadvantages there.

14. Look in -select- a an the no article needed locker room, workout room, and shower--everywhere should be clean.

15.  -select- a an the no article needed locker room sanitation is usually a good indication of how clean other areas are.

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Exercise 12

Decide whether you must or must not use the direct article.

1. We went to the - cinema.

2. We usually have the - dinner at seven o'clock.

3. He plays the - tennis very well.

4. Can you play the - guitar?

5. This is my last year at the - school.

6. Jane loves listening to the - radio.

7. They went to London by the - plane.

8. We are going to see my cousins on the - Sunday.

9. Last night at eight we were watching the - news on BBC.

10. That was an important day in the - history.

Exercise 13

1. This coat was designed by ___ famous New York artist.
   Answer a
2. Can you tell me how to get to ___ bank from here?
   Answer a OR the
3. ___ city museum is closed today.
   Answer The
4. He is one of ___ smartest people I know.
   Answer the
5. I recommend you eat ___ apple pie at this restaurant.
   Answer the
6. ___ milk is good for you.
   Answer (nothing)
7. Would you like to see ___ movie?
   Answer a OR the
8. ___ apple a day keeps ___ doctor away.
   Answer An/the
9. I can't believe I failed ___ yesterday's test!
   Answer (nothing)
10. Do you have ___ dictionary that I can borrow?
    Answer a

Exercise 14

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1. There were many dogs in the park. One dog was ___ Dalmatian.
   Answer a
2. Pandas and ___ tigers are both endangered animals.
   Answer nothing
3. She is wearing ___ blue dress with red earrings
   Answer a
4. Hawaii is ___ island in the Pacific Ocean.
   Answer an
5. Christmas comes once ___ year.
   Answer a
6. ___ ant is __ insect.
   Answer An, an
7. The Nile is ___ river.
   Answer a
8. I went to the shop to get ___ bread.
   Answer nothing
9. He broke ___ glass when he was washing dishes.
   Answer a
10. You should take ___ umbrella.
    Answer an

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