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Use the right article
Benvenuto in Use the right article
This lesson presents the usage of both definite and indefinite articles in a variety of contexts. You will learn how to use articles correctly in the given context. This lesson also prepares you for exceptions in English where an article may be omitted. By the end of this unit, you'll understand how to use articles, whether in a written context or dialogue situation.
Lesson Introduction
Parte 1
Let's look at the rules of the definite article.
There is a book in my backpack. The book is very heavy.
This is the car from the magazine.
The earth is a planet with life in the solar system.
The New York marathon takes place every year.
The size of a machine is determined by its function as well as several other considerations.
This is the car from the magazine.
The earth is a planet with life in the solar system.
The New York marathon takes place every year.
The size of a machine is determined by its function as well as several other considerations.
2. "The" is often used after "one of", "(a) few of", "some of", "many of", "most of"
Nowadays, one of the problems in most large cities of the world
is traffic congestion.
Many of the Asian countries have to fight for their financial conditions.
Many of the Asian countries have to fight for their financial conditions.
3. The definite article is used with certain geographical names.
the Atlantic (Ocean)
the Pacific (Ocean)
the Sahara (Desert)
the Alps (Mountain range)
the Appalachians (Mountain range)
the Great lakes
the Pacific (Ocean)
the Sahara (Desert)
the Alps (Mountain range)
the Appalachians (Mountain range)
the Great lakes
There is no need to use an article with the majority of regions and countries, except for the following countries.
the Czech Republic
the Netherlands
the People's Republic of China
the Philippines
the United Kingdom (UK)
the United States of America (USA)
the Netherlands
the People's Republic of China
the Philippines
the United Kingdom (UK)
the United States of America (USA)
We also refer to general geographical areas with the definite article as in:
the beach, the city, the country, the forest, the seaside, the countryside, the town
Let's look at the rules of the definite article.
In the future, there will be advanced technology.
In the past, life was difficult for many people.
In the morning, I wake up quite early.
I'll see you in the evening at dinner.
In the past, life was difficult for many people.
In the morning, I wake up quite early.
I'll see you in the evening at dinner.
However, we do not use an article if the time of day is generalized.
Afternoon is the best time to take a nap.
Morning is when I work most efficiently.
Morning is when I work most efficiently.
5. The zero article is the omission of the definite or indefinite article before a noun. When we are discussing things in general, we normally use zero article. with plural and uncountable nouns.
Iphones are popular types of telephones.
Formal education in Britain begins when children reach the age of five.
Basketball is more popular in China than football.
Formal education in Britain begins when children reach the age of five.
Basketball is more popular in China than football.
Alternatively, we can use "the" with singular countable nouns to discuss things in general.
The telephone is a very useful instrument.
Finally, remember that when we define something, we use "a" instead of "the".
A telephone is a telecommunications device that permits two or
more users to conduct a conversation when they are too far apart to be
heard directly.
6. The definite article is also used with nouns indicated as ordinals.
Christmas Day is on the 25 th of
December.
We're leaving on the fifth day of this month.
This is the third time I have told you to finish the work.
We're leaving on the fifth day of this month.
This is the third time I have told you to finish the work.
Let's look at the rules of the definite article.
You are the most interesting person I've ever met.
8. We use the definite article when we speak about playing instruments, describing plants, animals, inventions, currencies and body parts.
I play the piano quite well.
Put the roses in the vase, please.
Put the roses in the vase, please.
9. Finally, the definite article can be used to define a title and describe a family or group.
I watch The Tonight Show every Saturday.
The Rugby Club meets every Saturday at 2 PM.
The Rugby Club meets every Saturday at 2 PM.
10. If a direction follows a preposition, you must use "the".
We need to walk to the south.
Our house is in the north.
The town is located in the north-western region of the country.
Our house is in the north.
The town is located in the north-western region of the country.
Use "the" with compass directions when referring to them as special geographic or cultural regions.
The West has better national parks.
The South of France is home to some of the most picturesque cities in France to visit
The South of France is home to some of the most picturesque cities in France to visit
If a direction (north, west, southeast, left, right) directly follows a verb, do not use an article with the direction.
Walk south until you reach the next village.
Continue to next part:
Parte 2
Let's look at the rules of the indefinite article.
There is a green house. The green house is large and
beautiful.
Notice that we use "a" when we refer to a new, countable noun. We use "the" when we refer to the same countable noun again.
2. Don't use the indefinite article with an uncountable noun.
Please give me
Instead we say:
Please give me information (no article).
Notice that we use the definite article with an uncountable noun when referring to a specific example.
Please give me the information about transport.
3. A/An is used to explain a person’s job or profession.
She is a waitress at the Blue Lagoon restaurant.
I’m a doctor at the local hospital.
I’m a doctor at the local hospital.
4. Use "an" (not "a") when the next word (adverb, adjective, noun) starts with a vowel or vowel sound, including words that begin with a silent "-h".
Here is an elephant. There is an egg. Can I have an hour
of your time?
5. We use a/an (instead of one) in number and quantity expressions.
Every half an hour, we take a break.
The price of milk is 90 cents a litre.
The price of milk is 90 cents a litre.
Continue to next part:
Parte 3
Let's look at the rules of the zero article.
Iphones are popular types of telephones.
Formal education in Britain begins when children reach the age of five.
Basketball is more popular in China than football.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Formal education in Britain begins when children reach the age of five.
Basketball is more popular in China than football.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Alternatively, we can use "the" with singular countable nouns to discuss things in general.
The telephone is a very useful instrument.
Finally, remember that when we define something, we use "a" instead of "the".
A telephone is a telecommunications device that permits two or
more users to conduct a conversation when they are too far apart to be
heard directly.
2. Articles are normally not used with the names of illnesses or diseases.
The doctor is treating the patient for
the cancer.
The Malaria is accompanied by fever and spots.
*There are some exceptions, such as The Flu or The Measles.
3. If a direction (north, west, southeast, left, right) directly follows a verb, do not use an article with the direction.
Walk south until you reach the next village.
If a direction follows a preposition, you must use "the".
We need to walk to the south.
Our house is in the north.
The town is located in the north-western region of the country.
Use "the" with compass directions when referring to them as special
geographic or cultural regions.
Our house is in the north.
The town is located in the north-western region of the country.
The West has better national parks.
The South of France is home to some of the most picturesque cities in France to visit
The South of France is home to some of the most picturesque cities in France to visit
Let's look at the rules of the zero article.
the Czech Republic
the Netherlands
the People's Republic of China
the Philippines
the United Kingdom (UK)
the United States of America (USA)
the Netherlands
the People's Republic of China
the Philippines
the United Kingdom (UK)
the United States of America (USA)
I like France.
We used to live in England.
My cousins live in Ghana, Africa.
The UK, Ireland, the US and Canada are all popular destinations for students of English who want to study overseas.
We used to live in England.
My cousins live in Ghana, Africa.
The UK, Ireland, the US and Canada are all popular destinations for students of English who want to study overseas.
5. There are a number of common fixed expressions used with certain prepositions involving everyday time and place nouns where zero article is required.
At university I never have lunch, but always eat breakfast.
At school I always ate lunch and dinner, but never breakfast.
I travel by bus to my job every morning.
We go by air from London to Paris as it’s quite fast.
Day by day, I do the same, routine work in my job.
The couple walked slowly side by side on the quiet beach.
At school I always ate lunch and dinner, but never breakfast.
I travel by bus to my job every morning.
We go by air from London to Paris as it’s quite fast.
Day by day, I do the same, routine work in my job.
The couple walked slowly side by side on the quiet beach.
6. The zero article is used when referring to holidays and special times of the year.
I'll see you at Christmas!
We're meeting on Saturday.
We take holidays in summer.
We're meeting on Saturday.
We take holidays in summer.
The zero article is used for specific times of the day or night.
The clock struck at midnight.
I sleep soundly at night.
Let's meet for lunch at noon.
I sleep soundly at night.
Let's meet for lunch at noon.
This is the final section of the lesson. I'm ready to start the review exercises!
Review Exercise (1/16)
Complete the multiple choice below
I lived in ______, a region in the west of Ireland, for several years.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((A))".
clear Non proprio. ((A)) e la risposta corretta.
We do not use an article for regions, such as Connemara.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
______ is more popular in Europe than basketball.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((B))".
clear Non proprio. ((B)) e la risposta corretta.
When we are discussing things in general, we normally use zero article with plural and uncountable nouns. "Soccer" here is an uncountable noun.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
_____ has finally arrived to the war zone of Iraq.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((B))".
clear Non proprio. ((B)) e la risposta corretta.
As "peace" is an uncountable noun, we don’t use the definite article.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
The man just discovered that he has _____.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((A))".
clear Non proprio. ((A)) e la risposta corretta.
When referring to most diseases, we omit any article. There are some exceptions, such as The Flu or The Measles.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
This is a bag for books. Put this book in ___ bag.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((A))".
clear Non proprio. ((A)) e la risposta corretta.
In this case, the definite article refers to the noun "bag" which is the only one in reference.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
The research of the bioshpere in space is aimed at ____ to ensure our future source of energy.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((A))".
clear Non proprio. ((A)) e la risposta corretta.
The noun "attempt" is a countable noun that starts with a vowel, but it does not refer to a specific "attempt", so the indefinite article "an" used.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
Sally is ___ acrobat in the local circus.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((C))".
clear Non proprio. ((C)) e la risposta corretta.
We use the indefinite article "an" as it refers to a singular, countable noun that starts with a vowel.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
I am ____ school.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((A))".
clear Non proprio. ((A)) e la risposta corretta.
"At school" is a common fixed expression used with certain prepositions involving everyday time and place nouns where zero article is required.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
_____ indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((B))".
clear Non proprio. ((B)) e la risposta corretta.
We don't use an article with uncountable nouns. "Research" is an uncountable noun.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
_______ and Canada are all popular destinations for students of English who want to study overseas.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((C))".
clear Non proprio. ((C)) e la risposta corretta.
There is no need to use an article with the majority of regions and countries, except for those containing the words Coast, States, Kingdom, Republic, Emirates and Union.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
Let’s meet for lunch _______.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((A))".
clear Non proprio. ((A)) e la risposta corretta.
"At noon" is a common fixed expression used with certain prepositions involving everyday time and place nouns where zero article is required.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
______________ to visit in the world is Rome.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((A))".
clear Non proprio. ((A)) e la risposta corretta.
The noun "tourists" is a countable noun and it refers to a specific group of people, so the definite article is required.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
The city is located in ______ region of the country.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((A))".
clear Non proprio. ((A)) e la risposta corretta.
We use "The" with compass directions when referring to them as special geographic or cultural regions.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
They drove ____ all day.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((B))".
clear Non proprio. ((B)) e la risposta corretta.
If a direction (north, (remove unnecessary space here)west, southeast, left, right) directly follows a verb, do not use an article with the direction.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
There are several medications that can be used to treat ____.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((B))".
clear Non proprio. ((B)) e la risposta corretta.
When referring to most diseases, we omit any article. There are some exceptions, such as The Flu or The Measles.
Riavvia test
Complete the multiple choice below
Japan is _______ steel-producing country in the world.
Invia risposta
done Esatto! La risposta corretta e "((B))".
clear Non proprio. ((B)) e la risposta corretta.
We use "the" with superlatives.
Riavvia test
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