Transcript Articles

Articles
Use of Articles
common noun or noun phrase
Uncountable
Countable
Singular
a/an
(non-specific)
the
the
(specific)
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Plural
the
(specific)
Ø
zero (Ø)
(generic)
Articles

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Are used with certain categories of proper
nouns
Are used with common nouns or noun
phrases
Consist of the indefinite article (a/an) and
the definite article (the)
Are absent in non-specific cases and are
indicated by the Ø (zero article)
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Rules for Using Articles

These categories of proper nouns do not require “the”
Categories
People’s names
Cities and states
Singular names of countries
Months/days
Streets
Religious buildings
Mountains
Parks
Lakes
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Examples
John Locke
Bangkok, Negri Sembilan
Indonesia, Australia
May, Tuesday
Pickering Street, Holland Road
St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Mount Fuji
Hyde Park
Lake Victoria
Rules for Using Articles

The proper nouns below require “the”.
Categories
Museums and galleries
Buildings
Highways
Seas and oceans
Rivers and deserts
Periods and events in history
Bridges
Countries with United, Union,
Kingdom, Republic
Island groups ending in (e)s
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Examples
the Asian Civilization Museum
the University Cultural Centre
the Pan-Island Expressway
the South China Sea
the Mississippi, the Gobi desert
the Dark Ages
the Manhattan Bridge
the United States, the People’s
Republic of China
the Philippines
Rules for Using Articles

Depend on generic or specific reference
Comment on the use of the articles in the sentences below.
A paper on global warming was presented at a
conference.
The paper on global warming was presented at the
conference.
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Specific Reference

Is recognizable by both the writer and the
reader through shared knowledge.
The sun rises in the east. (Fact)
The lab report should be submitted today. (Both the
writer and the reader know which lab report is
being referred to.)
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Specific Reference

Is used after a general reference is made.
EG1471 students are required to write an
essay in the semester. The essay will be
revised a few times.
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Specific Reference

Is used when the noun has been modified
by an adjectival phrase or clause.
The portfolios that students have to prepare
consist of different assignments.
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Nonspecific and Generic References

Happen when neither the writer nor the
reader identify the noun as something
known, unique or familiar.
Ø University students receive Ø tuition
grants for their studies.
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Nonspecific and Generic Reference

Use a/an with a singular countable noun
that is non-specific.
An engineering textbook was left at the
counter.
A lecturer gave the freshmen an overview of
the course.
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Use of A and An
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Depends on
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Nonspecific and Generic Reference

Do not use an article when a plural
countable noun is non-specific.
Ø Graduates are held in high esteem by Ø
employers.
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Nonspecific and Generic Reference
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Do not use an article when an uncountable
noun is non-specific.
The internet is a rich resource of Ø
information.
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Nonspecific and Generic Reference

Do not use an article when a generalization
is made about an uncountable noun.
Ø Water is scarce in many countries.
Ø Oil is a finite resource.
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Abstract Generic vs. Concrete Generic
Abstract Generic: The Entire
Class
Concrete Generic: A
Representative Class
The wasp can detect unique
volatile compounds over great
distances.
A wasp can be trained to detect
odors.
The laser has many uses in
medicine.
A laser can be used by a surgeon
to make very clean cuts.
The computer has been invaluable
in scientific advancement.
Computers are playing a growing
role in all aspects of university life
Source: Swales & Feak (2009), 299.
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Superlatives, Ordinals and Sole
References
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The definite article “the” is always used with
the above categories.
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
(superlative)
Statistics is the second most difficult subject. (ordinal)
The main (only/sole/chief) reason I do engineering is to
contribute to mankind. (sole reference)
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Sources
Lane, A. and Lange, E. (1999). Writing Clearly: An Editing
Guide (2nd ed.). Boston: Heinle and Heinle Publishers,
198-209.
Raimes, A. (2006). Grammar Troublespots: A Guide for
Student Writers (3rd ed.). New York: Cambridge
University Press, 98-105.
Swales, J.M. and Feak, C.B. (2009). Academic Writing for
Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills (2nd ed.).
USA: The University of Michigan Press, 289-301.
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