Definitive vs Indefinite Articles Definite the Indefinite a

Definitive vs. Indefinite Articles Definite = the Indefinite = a / an Before singular & plural/countable noun Before singular/countable noun q Used to specify something specific/particular q Noun is previously mentioned or understood q Refer to non-specific, nonparticular noun q Refer to something for the first time I want to go see the movie. I would like to go see a movie. I saw the lion at the zoo. When I went to the zoo, I saw a lion. The dog that bit me ran away. My son wants a dog for Chrirstmas.

Common patterns of a/an with other determiners In fractions and frequencies in the meaning of each, every, per: half a gallon, twice a day, three days a week After “what” or “such” before singular nouns: What a waste! Before quantifiers few and little to add a positive quantity: He has a few friends. She has a little money. A necessary part of a lot of, number of, great/good deal of when used as quantifiers: a lot of water, a large number of boxes

Uses of definite article Category examples General cultural use the ocean, the sky, the beach Immediate situational use Don’t touch the wall. It’s still wet. Don’t go in there. The bathroom smells horrible! Perceptual situational use (the items is in plain view) Could you hand me the towel, please? Shut the door. Open the window. Local use (general knowledge) the school, the library, the post office Local use (specific knowledge) [When touring in San Francisco, ] we would like to see the Golden Gate Bridge.

MEANING OF ARTICLES Generic meanings (all or most members of a set are referred to) The whale is a mammal. A whale cannot breathe underwater. Ø Whales cannot breath underwater. The dolphin is a smart animal. A dolphin is a smart animal. Ø Dolphins are smart animals. Non-generic meaning (one or more individual members of a set are referred to) Can you see the whale over there? Captain Ahab was killed by a whale. There are Ø whales in the Mediterranean. The dolphin was saved by a fisherman. A dolphin washed ashore. Ø Dolphins were washed ashore yesterday.