One of the most difficult points in English Grammar is using the articles correctly. But now, I will explain some rules regarding the correct usage of the definite and indefinite articles.
When we talk about a person or thing for the first time, use the indefinite articles (a and an) with them. Study the following examples:
- I saw a tall man. (NOT I saw the tall man.)
Use the in subsequent references to that person or thing.
- The girl was very beautiful. (NOT A girl was very beautiful.)
Use the indefinite article to talk about a person or thing not known to the speaker or the listener.
- She is going out with a French guy. (NOT She is going out with the French guy.)
We can use the in subsequent references to that person or thing.
- The French guy she is going out with is an architect. (NOT A French guy she is going out with is an architect.)
Plural countable nouns can be used without articles, especially when we are talking about things in general.
- Spiders have eight legs.
- Computers are useful machines.
- Apples are red.
A singular uncountable noun is used without an article.
- Milk is nutritious. (NOT The milk is nutritious.)
- Gold is precious. (NOT The gold is precious.)
No Responses to “Common Mistakes in the Use of Articles”
Leave a Reply