English definite articles
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English definite articles
Lesson Outline
Hide- 1.What are definite articles?
- 1.1.Definite article "The"
- 1.1.1.Definite articles examples
- 1.2.When not to use articles
- 1.3.Examples:
- 1.4.Articles and adjectives
- 1.4.1.Examples:
- 1.5.Difference between indefinite and definite articles
- 1.5.1.Example:
- 2.Exercises
- 2.1.Definite article "the" exercise
- 2.2.Definite articles exercises
- 2.3.Definite articles worksheet
What are definite articles?
The definite article is used to introduce a noun or noun phrase. It is used to specify something that has already been discussed or is known by all the speakers and makes sense in the context. The only indefinite article is "the".
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Definite article "The"
The definite article "the" is one of the most commonly used articles and is the only definite article. It can be used with countable and uncountable nouns as well as singular and plural ones. It is used to refer to concrete objects, names of oceans and seas, mountains and deserts.
Definite articles examples
| When to use definite articles | Examples |
|---|---|
| Use it with proper nouns such as mountains, rivers, islands. | I want to hike the Grand Canyon. |
| Use it with historical periods such as decades. | I truly miss the nineties. |
| Use it to refer to a group of people in general. | History is most dear to the Bulgarians. |
| Use it with the superlative form of adjectives. | Bram is the tallest person I know. |
| Use it with countries whose's name is plural, a republic or a kingdom. | My boyfriend is from the United Kingdom. |
| Use it when it is assumed only of the thing exists. | Where is the kitchen? |
| Use it with landmarks, museums, valuable historical pieces or art. | I have always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower. |
| Use it with family names. | The Gettys were one of the wealthiest families. |
| Use it with things or object that are specific or unique by themselves. | The creator of Reese's did something amazing. |
| Use it when something has already been mentioned. | I accidentally hurt myself. The pain is horrible. |
When not to use articles
You must not use the definite article "the" when using the following type of nouns in your text or speech:
| Types | Examples |
|---|---|
| Colors | Blue, yellow, purple |
| Means of transport | Plane, train, taxi, car |
| Hours | Three o'clock, half past eight |
| Airports, stations | Heathrow, Saint Peters station |
| Names of people or places | Michael, Jessica, New York, Tokyo |
| Sports | Football, volleyball, running |
| Days of the week | Monday, Friday, Sunday |
| Time expressions | Last week, next month, last year |
| Disciplines and subjects | Geography, literature, physics |
| Uncountable things | Oil, copper, rice |
| Years | 1994, 2004 |
| Countries (unless they are part of the exceptions) | France, Spain |
| Personal titles | Mrs, Ms, Miss |
| Languages | Bulgarian, Italian, Spanish |
Examples:
| Correct use | Incorrect use |
|---|---|
| I like blue. | I like the blue. |
| Have you ever been to France? | Have you ever been to the France? |
| She loves Geography. | She loves the Geography. |
| I play football every chance I get. | I play the football every chance I get. |
| Our flight goes through Heathrow. | Our flight goes through the Heathrow. |
Articles and adjectives
While the definite article is more commonly placed before a noun it is it not always the case. The definite article can be placed in front of an ajdective that provides more information in an enriching or restricting kind of way.
Examples:
- He's the tall boy in end of the hall.
- The Spanish are famous for their reputation for talking a lot.
- It is the red apple.
- It is the thick green cable in the drawer.
Difference between indefinite and definite articles
The major difference between an indefinite and definite article lies in exactly which noun they do refer to. With the indefinite article, you could be referring to anything of a certain type. However, with the definite article to you refer to exactly one specific thing of a certain type.
Example:
- I have to buy a new phone. - It could be any phone.
- I have to buy the new iPhone. - The phone I buy must exactly be an iPhone.
Exercises
Definite article "the" exercise
Definite articles exercises
Definite articles worksheet
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An D.
Hands down one of the best teachers I've had the pleasure of working with. Very knowledgeable in all aspects of Bulgarian (grammar rules, expressions, ...) but also in both English and French, which helps whenever you have a more in-depth question on the how or why something is the way it is in Bulgarian. Furthermore he has his own material and always comes prepared, but he is equally open to changing the subject of a lesson to suit your needs. He is patient, positive and not too scholarly, which is what you need as an adult learning day- to- day Bulgarian.I have been working with him for 18 months now and still look forward to our lessons every week.
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An's Bulgarian has tremendously improved since she gave it go a year and a half ago. Of course, It goes without saying that I am pleased to work with such an enthusiastic learner who is living proof that, through hard work and perseverance, everyone can succeed in their language goals. An, you are now an independant user of the language who is able to successfully lead real-live conversations. Pat yourself on the back.
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Elena is an excellent teacher and a very nice person. I have been training in Spanish with Elena for quite some time now after her being recommended to me by a friend, and have consistently been very pleased with our lessons. While I do not consider myself to be very good at learning foreign languages, Elena is very patient and adapts the lessons to my ability, making me feel at ease. In fact, I find her to be extremely skilled at assessing exactly where I am at any given time with respect to my individual learning situation, and structuring the lessons accordingly. I think I probably would have given up trying to learn Spanish had I not began my study with Elena; and that would have been a shame considering where I am now with the language. Because of Elena's skilled help, I am extremely pleased to not only be conversant in basic Spanish, but also have confidence that I will one day reach full proficiency with the language. No other learning method I tried before meeting Elena compares to the one-on-one, personalized instruction I receive from her, which comprises reading; writing; developmental exercises; and most importantly, conversation. To be able to look at Spanish now and have it appear largely familiar is extremely satisfying. I even plan to study Italian with Elena after reaching my desired level in Spanish. These are not things I ever imagined would occur at the beginning stages of my studies. I am a native English speaker and find Elena's English to be excellent. She had no difficulty instructing me from the very beginning levels where it was necessary that a lot of English be spoken in our lessons, to where we are now with much less English being spoken. The friend who recommended Elena to me learned Dutch from her, and is equally pleased with their experience. I would not hesitate to learn from Elena any of the languages she teaches. I give Elena my highest recommendations and thank her for all the help she has provided me.
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