In this post we will learn what are Articles, how to use its, when to use tis, and how many types are they.
What Are Articles?
Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific.
There are three types of articles.
A, an, the
Articles: the before general concepts
We use the before nouns which describe a general type of thing rather than a specific example of that thing:
- Nature is the best physician.
- The boy sitting next to me raised his hand.
- Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan.
- Thank you for the advice you gave me.
- A barking sound the Shepherd hears.
The is also used before abstract nouns which describe a situation, a quality, process Or a change. These words are often followed by of something.
- There is a problem with the availability of clean water in some villages.
- He made a number of recommendations for the improvement of staff training.
We use the development / improvement, etc. of something to describe a general process of change, but developments / improvements, etc. in something to describe specific changes
- There is a need for further improvement in our work.
- By improving this work, we can develop our business
Articles: a/an before noun phrases
- Use a before consonant sounds
- Use an before vowel sounds
An elephant a European
An ice-cream a cat
An old man a dog
An onion a boy
An interesting book a tree
Don’t forget to include a/an before an adjective + singular noun combination.
- That was an excellent meal.
- There came a cat to my door.
- Kolkata is a big city.
- India won by an innings and three runs.
- He died a glorious death.
- That’s an amazing bit of news.
Notice the position of adverbs (very, really, quite, etc.) in these phrases:
- His family is very poor.
- This flower is very beautiful.
- You both are really good friends.
- Are you really a soldier?
- This question is quite difficult.
- In my view, this is quite a strong argument.
Some common noun phrases to be careful with:
To a certain extent / degree:
• I agree with you to a certain degree.
A wide range / variety:
• We have a wide range of books to choose from.
A (n) large / small / equal number / amount:
• An equal number of men and women.
a high / large / small / greater proportion / percentage:
• A small proportion of patients.
a long time:
• I haven’t seen her for a long time.