Ls 10. Articles A / An / THe

Lesson Ten. Articles A / An / The

Singular	Plural
a /an	the
the	___

Articles are used in front of nouns

"A" or "an" are always singular

"The" is singular or plural

Some plural nouns don't use an article

When using articles, it's important to also know the difference between count and noncount nouns

Example:

• I have glasses (plural - a/an) Or ... I have a pair of glasses

• You have a hat (singular count noun) But... the second time you describe that hat, you say: The hat is blue

• Have has some strawberries (plural count noun). The strawberries are in his mouth (second mention)

• She has a popsicle (singular count noun) The popsicle tastes good! or ... Popsicles tast good

• That cat has some water (Water is a non-count noun a/an) The water is in a bowl. The bowl is purple

• We have time to learn English. (time and English are noncount nouns. Sometimes the is used; sometimes it isn't) I + you = we

• They have a good relationship. (relationship is a singular count noun)

• All three children have popsicles. The popsicles test good. (Popsicle is a plural count noun)

There are a lot of rules for articles:

1. Don't put an article in front of the name of a place

   • Correct: Minneapolis is a great city
   • Not correct: The Minneapolis is a great city

   But it is correct to use the name of a place as an adjective:

   • The Minneapolis skyline is beautiful at night
   • The Chicago River is painted green on St.Patrick's Day

2. Indefinite amounts or general qualities don't take an article

   • Pennies are made of cooper
   • The copper in this penny is turning brown. (This is a specific amount)
   • Water is good for you
   • The water in this glass tastes bad. (This is a specific amount)
   • Honesty is the best policy

3. Don't use an article with possessive nouns or pronouns

   ​ This is the Paul's website

4. The definite article can be used with singular or plural nouns:

   • The apples taste great (plural)
   • The apple tastes great (singular)
   • Apples taste great (general category)
   • The water is clean
   • Water is necessary for life