Mini Lesson: Lauryn Fisherkeller

ARTICLES: WHEN TO PUT THEM, AND WHY
There are two types of articles:
1.Definite
2.Indefinite

Definite = in the English language the definite article is “the”.

-“The” is considered invariable, so it does not depend on the number of the noun. Basically it can be singular or plural.

- “The” also refers to a specific thing when contrasted with “a” or “an”.

Indefinite = this article is opposite of the definite article
-Indefinite articles are singular and cannot be used with a plural noun. Some example of indefinite articles are “a, an, some, and any”
- The reason that “a, an, some, and any” are labeled as “indefinite” because they do not refer to a specific thing as “the” does.

GENERAL RULES

Use of “a” or “an”
Use "a" or "an" with a singular count noun when you mean "one of many," "any," "in general.
For example:
“I like a good television show (one of many television shows).
“Julie is a good Dancer (one of many dancers).

Use "a" or "an" the first time you use a noun in a paragraph
“I saw a movie last week.”
“A woman ran into the dark room.”

Use “the”
Use "the" with any noun when the meaning is specific; for example, when the noun names the only one (or one) of a kind.
For example:
“April was the first lady (‘the only first lady’).
“New York is the largest city in the United States (only one city can be ‘the largest’).
“Did you hear the broadcast (specific broadcast)?

Use "the" the second time you use that same noun in the same paragraph.
For example:
“I saw a movie last week. The movie was hilarious.”
“A man ran into the street. A car hit the man."


Don’t use “a,” “an,” or “the”
Don't Use "a," "an," or "the" with a non-count noun when you mean "any," "in general."
For example
“We believe in love (in general). “
“He gave me information (not specific).”

Don't Use "a," "an," or "the" with a plural count noun when you mean "some of many things," "any," "in general.
For Example:
" Movies are entertaining (some movies; movies in general).
“She likes men (in general).”

QUIZ

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/cross/articles_quiz.htm


This quiz link is posted in the Grammar300 blog. Go there, and we will take it together.