FCE BArticles

Articles

Indefinite article

a an

The indefinite article means ONE.

It can only be used with singular countable nouns

or

Patricia is descendent of Irish family

Concept

My brother is lawyer

One of the same class

a

a an

Concept

I bought radio today

When something or someone is mentioned for the first time

a

Concept

There is a boat once day at 8 o’clocka

Phrases showing frequency

Articles

Definite article

the

The definite article refers to countable or uncountable, singular and plural nouns. It refers to something specific.

Concept

This is Marion. She is daughter of a friend of mine.

Thing or person was mentioned before

the

Don’t look at sun. You’ll hurt your eyes

Thing or person is unique

the

Concept

theMeet me at statue on the corner of Park Road and Elm Avenue

Concept

Thing or person is clearly specified

theWe’ve got a new fountain in garden

Concept

The context makes it clear

theMy family have been here since turn of century

Concept

The person or thing is defined by the words that follow

the

Superlatives

Remember We also use definite articles with...

This is the highest mountain in world

Centuries

Decades

Ordinal numbersI live on second floor

I was born in 80’s

Millions left Ireland in 19th century

the

the

the

the

Articles

Zero article

0

General references

Concept

Holidays are so relaxing!

Butter is very fattening

When we’re referring to things in general,

we don’t need an article

Concept

We also use NO article with

I went to Cape Town in Africa in 2007

Nicholas was born in December 2007

Most places names

Months and years

A group of states

The United States

However...

A group of countries

The United Kingdom

The or Zero?

life of an immigrant is often very hard.

life in the 21st century is changing fast.

children grow up faster nowadays.

children in my street are very noise.

love makes the world goes round.

love he had for his country was huge.

________

________

________

________

________

________

The

Life

TheChildren

TheLove

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