The Article

“In Russian, we do not use article. It is better language.” “In Russian, we do not use article. It is better language.”

The Article A vs. The A vs. The A – indefinite article A – indefinite article The – definite article The – definite article Every room in this building has a window. Every room in this building has a window. The window in Room 337 is broken. The window in Room 337 is broken.

The indefinite article: A Generally: Generally: Using a common noun to refer to a single, countable example of a general class of things: Using a common noun to refer to a single, countable example of a general class of things: Indefinite Article. Indefinite Article. A chair, an apple, a truck driver, a building. A chair, an apple, a truck driver, a building.

Review: count vs. non-count nouns. Countable Countable Dog Dog Table Table Cat Cat Brick Brick Uncountable Salt Gravity Pollution Academia

Uncountable (don’t use the indefinite article) Physical mass with no shape Physical mass with no shape Sugar, sand, water, rice, flour. Sugar, sand, water, rice, flour. Abstract concepts Abstract concepts Gravity, magnetism, curiosity. Gravity, magnetism, curiosity. Continuous process Continuous process Photosynthesis, osmosis, combustion. Photosynthesis, osmosis, combustion. Field of study Field of study Mathematics, economics, engineering. Mathematics, economics, engineering.

Countable nouns Can appear in the plural form Can appear in the plural form Books, automobiles. Books, automobiles. (Not waters or combustions) (Not waters or combustions) With numbers With numbers Four computers, nine tables Four computers, nine tables With quantifiers like several, many, or few: With quantifiers like several, many, or few: Several books, few automobiles Several books, few automobiles

Countable Abstracts Some abstract (non-physical) nouns have distinct, countable forms: Some abstract (non-physical) nouns have distinct, countable forms: An idea, two ideas, three ideas An idea, two ideas, three ideas Three hypotheses, four theories Three hypotheses, four theories Several concepts, few notions Several concepts, few notions

Non-count nouns do not (usually) have a plural form. Non-count nouns do not (usually) have a plural form. I have a great deal of experience. I have a great deal of experience. We would like some water. We would like some water. Exception: “Waitress, we would like three waters.” Exception: “Waitress, we would like three waters.” This request implies three distinct, countable units of water, delivered in discrete containers (glasses). This request implies three distinct, countable units of water, delivered in discrete containers (glasses).

The definite article: The Can be used with any type of noun: Can be used with any type of noun: Countable Countable “The car was brand new.” “The car was brand new.” Uncountable Uncountable “The water was cold.” “The water was cold.” Singular Singular “The dog is brown.” “The dog is brown.” Plural Plural “The children were in bed.” “The children were in bed.” Key? Refers to something unique. Key? Refers to something unique.

Definite article: Special Adjectives Nouns with special adjectives as modifier Nouns with special adjectives as modifier The tallest building in town. The tallest building in town. The longest paper in the class. The longest paper in the class. Among mammals, only the platypus lays eggs. Among mammals, only the platypus lays eggs. Note: these special adjectives connote uniqueness. Note: these special adjectives connote uniqueness.

Definite article: Special Nouns Unique nouns Unique nouns The Atlantic Ocean The Atlantic Ocean The White House The White House Exceptions? Many. Exceptions? Many. Salt Lake City, Washington State, Wall Street Salt Lake City, Washington State, Wall Street

Definite Articles: Generics Refer to an entire type of a thing. Refer to an entire type of a thing. The Ford Mustang The Ford Mustang The Xbox 360 console The Xbox 360 console The kangaroo The kangaroo Careful: Careful: The kangaroo is a marsupial. The kangaroo is a marsupial. The kangaroo was injured The kangaroo was injured A kangaroo escaped from the zoo last night A kangaroo escaped from the zoo last night

Definite article: Previous Mention Last night, a raccoon rummaged through our garbage can. The raccoon spilled garbage everywhere. Last night, a raccoon rummaged through our garbage can. The raccoon spilled garbage everywhere. “A raccoon” refers to one of a type. It is not a unique referent. “A raccoon” refers to one of a type. It is not a unique referent. “The raccoon” refers to the specific raccoon in question. “The raccoon” refers to the specific raccoon in question.

Definite Article: Modifiers following the noun. To designate a particular noun as unique. To designate a particular noun as unique. “Mathematics” is not countable or unique. “Mathematics” is not countable or unique. “Growth” is not countable or unique. “Growth” is not countable or unique. “The mathematics of Pythagoras” – unique. “The mathematics of Pythagoras” – unique. “The growth of the American garment industry in the mid-19 th century” – unique. “The growth of the American garment industry in the mid-19 th century” – unique.

Summary: Singular count nouns require an article: Singular count nouns require an article: Hand me the wrench. Hand me the wrench. She threw an apple. She threw an apple.

Unless… Unless… Referring to a proper noun. Referring to a proper noun. Mr. Smith went to Washington. Mr. Smith went to Washington. Preceded by a possessive Preceded by a possessive I welcomed my friend I welcomed my friend Preceded by each, this, that, every, either, neither, or one: Preceded by each, this, that, every, either, neither, or one: Each cookie cost one dollar. Each cookie cost one dollar.

Generic plural nouns do not require an article. Generic plural nouns do not require an article. Plants need water. Plants need water. Trees have leaves. Trees have leaves. Singular non-count nouns do not require an article Singular non-count nouns do not require an article Red wine goes well with beef. Red wine goes well with beef. Water flows downhill. Water flows downhill.

Units of uncountable nouns require articles. Units of uncountable nouns require articles. A cup of sugar A cup of sugar A liter of water A liter of water The glass of wine The glass of wine The bag of rice The bag of rice

Any Questions? Any Questions?