English grammar. Articles

Articles

Use of Articles

common noun or noun phrase

Uncountable

Countable

Plural

Singular

the

(specific)

zero (Ø) (generic)

the

(specific)

a/an

(non-specific)

the

Ø

Articles

• Are used with certain categories of proper nouns
• Are used with common nouns or noun phrases
• Consist of the indefinite article ( a/an ) and the definite article ( the )
• Are absent in non-specific cases and are indicated by the Ø (zero article)

Rules for Using Articles

• These categories of proper nouns do not require “ the ”

Categories

People’s names

Cities and states

Singular names of countries

Months/days

Streets

Religious buildings

Mountains

Parks

Lakes

Examples

John Locke

Bangkok, Negri Sembilan

Indonesia, Australia

May, Tuesday

Pickering Street, Holland Road

St. Andrew’s Cathedral

Mount Fuji

Hyde Park

Lake Victoria

Rules for Using Articles

• The proper nouns below require “ the ”.

Categories

Museums and galleries

Buildings

Highways

Seas and oceans

Rivers and deserts

Periods and events in history

Bridges

Countries with United, Union, Kingdom, Republic

Island groups ending in (e)s

Examples

the Asian Civilization Museum

the University Cultural Centre

the Pan-Island Expressway

the South China Sea

the Mississippi, the Gobi desert

the Dark Ages

the Manhattan Bridge

the United States, the People’s Republic of China

the Philippines

Rules for Using Articles

• Depend on generic or specific reference

Comment on the use of the articles in the sentences below.

A paper on global warming was presented at a conference.

The paper on global warming was presented at the conference.

• A paper on global warming was presented at a conference. The paper on global warming was presented at the conference.

Specific Reference

• Is recognizable by both the writer and the reader through shared knowledge.

The sun rises in the east. (Fact)

The lab report should be submitted today. (Both the writer and the reader know which lab report is being referred to.)

• The lab report should be submitted today. (Both the writer and the reader know which lab report is being referred to.)

Specific Reference

• Is used after a general reference is made.

EG1471 students are required to write an essay in the semester. The essay will be revised a few times.

Specific Reference

• Is used when the noun has been modified by an adjectival phrase or clause.

The portfolios that students have to prepare consist of different assignments.

Nonspecific and Generic References

• Happen when neither the writer nor the reader identify the noun as something known, unique or familiar.

Ø University students receive Ø tuition grants for their studies.

Nonspecific and Generic Reference

• Use a/an with a singular countable noun that is non-specific.

An engineering textbook was left at the counter.

A lecturer gave the freshmen an overview of the course.

Use of A and An

• Depends on

Nonspecific and Generic Reference

• Do not use an article when a plural countable noun is non-specific.

Ø Graduates are held in high esteem by Ø employers .

Nonspecific and Generic Reference

• Do not use an article when an uncountable noun is non-specific.

The internet is a rich resource of Ø information .

Nonspecific and Generic Reference

• Do not use an article when a generalization is made about an uncountable noun.

Ø Water is scarce in many countries.

Ø Oil is a finite resource.

Abstract Generic vs. Concrete Generic

Abstract Generic: The Entire Class

The wasp can detect unique volatile compounds over great distances.

The laser has many uses in medicine.

The computer has been invaluable in scientific advancement.

Concrete Generic: A Representative Class

A wasp can be trained to detect odors.

A laser can be used by a surgeon to make very clean cuts.

Computers are playing a growing role in all aspects of university life

Superlatives, Ordinals and Sole References

• The definite article “ the ” is always used with the above categories.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. (superlative)

Statistics is the second most difficult subject. (ordinal)

The main (only/sole/chief) reason I do engineering is to contribute to mankind. (sole reference)