Articles

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Use of Articles common noun or noun phrase Countable Uncountable SingularPlural a/an (nonspecific) the (specific) theØ (zero article) the (specific) Ø (generic)

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Articles Are only used with certain categories of proper nouns Are commonly used with common nouns or noun phrases Consist of the nonspecific articles (a/an) and the specific article (the) Are absent in nonspecific cases and are indicated by Ø (empty or zero article)

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Rules for Using Articles These categories of proper nouns do not require “the” Categories People’s names Cities and states Singular names of countries Months/days Streets Religious buildings Mountains Parks Lakes Examples John Locke Bangkok, Negri Sembilan Indonesia, Australia May, Tuesday Pickering Street, Holland Road St. Andrew’s Cathedral Mount Fuji Hyde Park Lake Victoria

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Rules for Using Articles The proper nouns below require “the”. Categories Museums and galleries Buildings Highways Seas and Oceans Rivers / deserts Periods and events in history Bridges Countries with united, union, kingdom, republic Examples the Asian Civilization Museum the University Cultural Centre the Pan-Island Expressway the South China Sea the Mississippi, the Gobi desert the Dark Ages the Manhattan Bridge the Philippines, the United States, the People’s Republic of China

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Rules for Using Articles Depend on generic or specific reference Comment on the use of the articles in the sentences below. A paper on global warming was presented at a conference. The paper on global warming was presented at the conference.

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Specific Reference Is recognizable by both the writer and the reader through shared knowledge. The sun rises in the east. (Fact) The lab report should be submitted today. (Both the writer and the reader know which lab report is referred to here.)

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Specific Reference Is used after a general reference is made. EG1471 students are required to write an essay in the semester. The essay will be revised a few times.

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Specific Reference Is used when the noun has been modified by an adjectival phrase or clause. The portfolios that students have to prepare consist of different assignments.

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Nonspecific and Generic Reference Happen when both the writer and the reader do not identify the noun as something known, unique or familiar. University students receive tuition grants for their studies.

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Nonspecific and Generic Reference Use a/an with a singular countable noun that is nonspecific. An engineering textbook was left at the counter. A lecturer gave the freshmen an overview of the course.

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Use of A and An Depends on the beginning sound (vowel or consonant) of a nonspecific singular countable noun A modular credit is given for this course. A university student is expected to possess critical thinking skills. An honest student returned the laptop he found in the library.

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Nonspecific and Generic Reference Do not use any article (or Ø) when a plural countable noun is nonspecific. NUS graduates are well esteemed by employers at the workplace.

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Nonspecific and Generic Reference Do not use any article when an uncountable noun is nonspecific. The internet is a rich resource of information.

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Nonspecific and Generic Reference Do not use any article when a generalization is made about an uncountable noun. Water is scarce in many countries. Oil is a finite resource.

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Abstract Generic vs. Concrete Generic Abstract Generic: The Entire Class The wasp can detect unique volatile compounds over great distances. The laser has a great many uses in medicine. The computer has been invaluable in scientific advancement. Concrete Generic: A Representative Class A wasp can be trained to detect odors. A laser can be used by a surgeon to make very clean cuts. Computers are playing a growing role in all aspects of university life Concrete is relatively cheap. Source: Swales & Feak (2009), 299.

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Superlatives, Ordinals and Sole References The definite article “the” is always used with the above categories. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. (superlative) Statistics is the second subject I enjoy most in NUS. (ordinal) The main (only/sole/chief) reason I do engineering is to contribute to mankind. (sole reference)

eg1471/jc/dec2008 Sources Lane, A. and Lange, E. (1999). Writing Clearly: An Editing Guide (2 nd ed.). Boston: Heinle and Heinle Publishers, Raimes, A. (2006). Grammar Troublespots: A Guide for Student Writers (3 rd ed.). New York: Cambridge University Press, Swales, J.M. and Feak, C.B. (2009). Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills (2 nd ed.). USA: The University of Michigan Press,