Indefinite and Definite Articles Indefinite Articles A An

Indefinite and Definite Articles

• Indefinite Articles: – A, An, Some • Definite Article – The

• The following rules do not apply universally • But they are general guidelines from which exceptions can be learned.

• Indefinite articles are used for previously unknown nouns that are being introduced, • definite articles are used for nouns that have already been introduced – (or are already known or are assumed to be known at the point of introduction to the conversation).

• I saw a cat. The cat was sitting on a fence. The fence was painted brown. The cat jumped off the fence when it saw a mouse. The mouse ran into a hole when it saw the cat so the cat didn't catch the mouse.

• I saw a cat. The cat was sitting on a fence. The fence was painted brown. The cat jumped off the fence when it saw a mouse. The mouse ran into a hole when it saw the cat so the cat didn't catch the mouse.

• If a noun is unique, use the definite article – The sun – The President – The King of Old Siam. • A car crashed into a tree. The driver was seriously injured. – The driver is unique here because he is the driver of that specific car. • A driver was injured when the car he was driving crashed. – The car is unique here because it belongs to that specific driver.

• When discussing a class of things, drop the article and use the plural. – I like cookies (no article): means you like cookies in general. – I would like to have a cookie (indefinite article): means you want a cookie from a cookie jar. – I like the cookie (definite article): means you like a single specific cookie.

• There a large number of exceptions to these rules. You have to learn them from experience. • The best way to get a feel for the exceptions is to read as much as you can and take note of how articles are used.

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