Presentation for defence the brochure indefinite article

The indefinite article “A/An” in the English language

Created by the team “A”, 6 th grade

Driving questions

In what cases is the indefinite article « а /an» used?

Hypothesis

Whether the product created as a result of the research will have practical value

Aim of the project:

• To develop and present the results of a study of an indefinite article in the form of a brochure

The origin and use

The indefinite article A/An  was originated from the numeral one and is used before a noun in singular to describe it as something non-specific.

Functions of the indefinite article «А /An »

It has 3 functions:

• Classifying (meaning “one of” ).
• For example:  It’s a letter.
• Generalizing (meaning “any” ) .
• For example:  A tiger is a dangerous animal
• Numerical (meaning “one” ).
• For example:  Wait a minute!

Function of Classifying

• In this function the article serves to refer an object to the class or group of objects of the same kind. The article has the meaning of the indefinite pronoun  some .

Examples of function clarifying of the indefinite article “A/An”

• There is a ball on the grass.
• It is a golf ball .
• I smell an omelette.

Function of Generalizing

In this function the indefinite article implies that what is said about one representative of the class (a thing, animal or a person) can also be said about other representatives of this class. The indefinite article in its generic function has the meaning of a ny, every:

Examples of function of generalizing of the indefinite article “A/An”

• A limerick  is a short comic verse consisting of five lines.
• A kitten  is a young cat.

Numerical function

In this function the indefinite article preserves its original meaning of the cardinal numeral one:

Examples of numerical function of the indefinite article “A/An”

• We could stay in Prague for only  a day .
• Let’s drink  a coffee  or two?

References:

• Кобрина Н.А., Корнеева, Е.А. Грамматика английского языка. Спб.: Дрофа, 2001
• Кутузов Л. Практическая грамматика английского языка. – М.: Вече, 1998
• Лобанова Н.Е. Функционирование артикля в современном английском. – М.: Владос, 2000
• Рейман Е.А. Английский артикль: Коммуникативная функция. - Л.: Наука, 1988
• Смирницкий А.И. Морфология английского языка. - М.: Наука, 1959
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