Sunday, December 6, 2020

Indefinite Article |a, an| & Definite Article |the|: By English for You

Articles

To start, (SARGEANT, 2007:44) says that, the following words are articles: a, an and the. Moreover, a and an are indefinite articles. In addition to this, the is definite article.


Indefinite Articles "a" and "an"

Articles "a" and "an" are used before singular nouns (AZAR & HAGEN, 2006:183). For instance: a banana, an orange, a pen, an onion, etc.


Indefinite Articles "a"

HEWINGS (2005:88)"We use a before nouns and noun phrases that begin with a consonant sound". In other words, nouns or noun phrases may begin with vowel or consonant letters, but if such letters have consonant sound, therefore, we use the article a.

Look at the examples below:

Words: "a unit" and "a uniform"

So, the words "unit and uniform" start with vowel letter, but it has consonant sound /ju: /, therefore, we use the article "a" before them).

Words: "a banana" and "a car"

So, the words "banana and car" start with consonant letters and such letters have consonant sound, therefore, we use the article "a" before them).


 Indefinite Articles "an"

The article an is used before nouns that:

1. Begin with vowel letters and such letters have vowel sound.  For instance: an orange, an aunt, an uncle, an onion, an umbrella, etc.

 2. Begin with consonant letters and such letters have vowel sound as well. For instance: an hour, an honourable king, an honest teacher,etc.


 Definite article "the"

 The article "the" is used when you are talking to someone who already knows which person or thing you mean, (SARGEANT, 2007:45). In other words, it is used when the person who you are talking to, knows what or whom you are talking about.  

 Example:

I will find you at the Peter's home tomorrow.

The mother's car is black.

Where is the child?

 

Bibliography

AZAR, B, S and HAGEN, S, A, (2006) Basic English grammar, Washington :longman, 3th ed.

HEWINGS, M,(2005). Advanced Grammar in Use, UK:CUP ,2nd

SARGEANT, H,(2007) Basic Grammar for English Language Learners, New York: S.E.P, 2nd  ed.

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Indefinite Article |a, an| & Definite Article |the|: By English for You

Articles To start, (SARGEANT, 2007:44) says that, the following words are articles: a , an and the . Moreover, a and an are indefinite ...