learning the definite and indefinite articles

1. Tecnológico Nacional de Mexico
Articles

2. Learn how to use the articles correctly (definite and indefinite
articles).
Understand both types of articles and use them with the
correct nouns (countable and uncountable nouns).
Goals

3. CONTENTS:
I. Introduction
II. Definite article
III.Indefinite articles
IV.Zero article
V. Conclusion
VI.References

4. In this second part of the lesson, we will distinguish the definite
articles and the indefinite articles. This lesson is very important
because we have to learn to indicate whether a noun in a
sentence is specific or general.
I. Introduction

5. 2.1. Definition :
A definite article helps to limit the meaning of one specific thing.
We use “THE” to refer to a specific noun.
THE can be used both for a singular noun or a plural noun. Also
we use it for both countable and uncountable nouns.
For example: The dog is black ---- the dogs are black.
The information is good
II. Definite articles

6. Sentence Explanation
- The cat is black
- Give me the pen, please.
- Can you go to the supermarket?
- The houses on the left are very
big.
In each of these sentences,
we are talking about a
specific noun.
This means that the speaker
and the person who is
listening always know which
one we are talking about.

7. 3.1. Definition
An indefinite article indicates that we are speaking in a general
manner. Meaning we are not being specific. We use two main
articles “A” (which is used with words starting with consonants)
and “AN” ( which is used with words starting with vowels.
For example: A dog is black ---- dogs are black.
An Apple is round ----- Apples are round
III. Indefinite articles

8. Sentence Explanation
- A dog is cute and
small.
- An egg is White and
oval.
- A house is a place
where you can live
- An elephant is not
very Smart.
In each of these sentences, we are not
being specific.
We are actually speaking in general
matter, where we are referring to any
dog, any egg, any house and any
elephant.
Neither the speaker nor the listener
know which noun, specifically, we are
talking about.

9. 3.1. Definition
The zero article means that we do not put any article in front of
the noun. This only happens with countable nouns in plural and
with uncountable nouns. We have this situation when we are
talking about abstract ideas and when we are generalising the
description of a noun.
For example: Music is the best thing ever.
Apples are healthy.
III. Zero article

10. Sentence Explanation
- Cars help to get from
one place to another
- Milk is good for the
bones.
- Chickens do not fly.
- Love is in the air.
For these example, as we can see
we do not use any article, no definite
or no indefinite article.
This is because we are talking about
general things that do not depend on
people.
For example: Cars help to get from
one place to another ----- here we
are talking about all the cars in the
world and it applies for everyone.

11. VII. CONCLUSION
To conclude this lesson, after we have understood the
countable and uncountable nouns, we need to practice the
use of the articles so we can show if the noun is specific or
general.
VIII. References
- Traveller Level B1+,H.Q. Mitchell, MM Publications

12. Tecnológico de Estudios
Superiores de Cuautitlán Izcalli
(TESCI)