Articles: a/an, the, no articleMgr. Jan Hájek

• This DUM should be used as a grammar review of the use of the articles

a/an• We use a/an with singular countable nouns

The firs time you mention a thing/personI saw an old man with a dog.When you say what something is or what

somebody doesIt‘s a nice house. She‘s a lawyer. In exclamations with What…!What an awful day!

a/an - examples In expressions of frquencyI have classes three times a weekWe say that somebody has a long nose, a nice

face etc.Jack has got a long nose.

the • We use theWhen we tlak about something we‘ve already

mentionedI saw an old man with a dog. The dog was barking.When it‘s clear what you are reffering to My father opened the door. The children are at school. When there is only one of somethingThe moon goes round the earth.

the With places in towns, e.g. cinema/theatreI‘m going to the cinema tonight.With superlativesIt‘s the best restaurant in town.We say the before sameYour pullower is the same colour as mine.

no article• We don‘t use an article:When we are speaking in general (with plural and

uncountable nouns.Women usually talk more than men.Love is more important than money.With some nouns, (e.g. home, work, school,

church) after at/to/fromShe‘s not at home today.I get back from work at 5.30.

no articleBefore meals, days, and monthsI never have breakfast.Before next/last + day, week, etc.See you next Friday.

Thank you for your attention

Sources:• English Grammar in Use., A self-study refernce

and practise book for intrmediate students of English., Murphy R., Cambridge. Cambridge University Press 2004. pp. 142,146

• English file., intremediate Student‘s book., 3rd Ed., Lantham-Koenig Ch., Oxenden C., Oxford. Oxfors University Press 2013. p. 137.