How to effectively use definite articles in English?
How to effectively use definite articles in English?
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1 Answer
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Here are few tips on how you can master the use of definite article in your language:
· Understand its core function that 'the' is sued for nouns which are specific, singular and unique in their context, or have already been introduced or is understood from the context.
· Practice with lots of examples that will give clarity on how to use 'the' with unique nouns or superlatives (as mentioned above)
· Avoid using "the" when a general noun is intended.
· Keep in mind the special cases and excepti
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Students can refer to following books to study Definite Article in English Grammar:
Book | Author |
'A' and 'The' Explained | Seonaid Beckwith |
English Grammar: The Definite Article | Kevin Powis |
Practical English Grammar | A.J.Thomson & A.V.Martinet |
The definite article follows the below mentioned structure:
Structure | Description | Examples |
"The" + noun | It places "the" directly before the noun it modifies | · The book is on the table. · The students are running here and there. |
"The" + adjective + noun | "The" can also be used with adjectives to specify a particular quality of the noun. | · The blue skirt suits you well. · This is the tallest building in our area. |
"The" with superlative adjectives | Superlative adjectives (e.g., best, the biggest, the fastest) always require "the" | · It is one of the best movies I saw in recent times. · The tallest girl is standing in the last. |
Students should keep in mind the below mentioned rules, while using the definite article in English sentences:
When the noun is previously mentioned
When a noun has already been introduced in the conversation or text, use 'the' for subsequent references to that noun. For example: I saw a car. The car was red.
When the noun is unique or known
When there is only one of something in a particular context, or when the listener knows what is being referred to, "the" is used. For example: The sun is shining.
To define or identify the noun
"The" can be used to point out a specific instance of a noun. For example: The book on the table is mine.
The indefinite article in English language is 'the'. It is the most frequently used word in English. We use the definite article before noun that is identified or specified. It refers to the people or things, both singular and plural. For example: The book is on the table.
Find below ten examples of articles:
- I saw a cat in the balcony.
- She wants to buy a house.
- Can I have a bottle of juice, please?
- He is an engineering at some big tech firm.
- We had an antique vase in our living room.
- I had an icecream for dinner.
- The sun rises in the east.
- She went to the store by the ocean.
- The weather is gloomy today.
- She was a quiet girl, sitting under an umbrella by the beach.
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