Zero article or significant absence of article
1. If there are other determiners before a noun - possessive, demonstrative, interrogative, indefinite pronoun or a noun in the possessive case, then this noun is used without an article. My house is big.
2. There is no article before a countable noun in plural , in that case, if in the singular it were preceded by an indefinite article. I saw a book on the table. – I saw books on the table.
If a countable noun in the singular is used in a classifying meaning, or with a definite article in a generalizing meaning, such a noun in the plural does not have an article. A tiger is a wild animal. -Tigers are wild animals. The elephant lives in India. -Elephants live in India.
3. If you need to emphasize the number of countable nouns, then a cardinal number is placed in front of them. In this case it is a descriptive definition. Usually nouns with cardinal number are used without an article. There were t hree boys. But if the noun is specified, the definite article is used – The two boys were dirty. A noun with a cardinal numeral in the ordinal meaning is also used without an article. Unit six, page twenty Also if a noun is followed by a letter designation – point C, exhibit D
4. No article before real noun indicates the use of a noun in a generalized sense . I don't like coffee. The name of a substance can be used with a descriptive definition, which narrows the range of homogeneous nouns, and therefore does not require changing the article. Strong coffee is bitter. The names of substances denoting a variety, type or portion become countable and are used according to general rules: a coffee = a cup of coffee.
Countable nouns denoting meat as a type of food are used with a zero article - chicken, fish, turkey, duck, lamb etc. If it is important to indicate a certain number of uncountable nouns, we usually use indefinite pronouns some, any. These pronouns are usually not translated into Russian. Bring me some water. Do you have any cheese?
5. An abstract noun is used without an article when it expresses generalized concept. Time will show who is right. Also, an abstract noun can be used with a descriptive adjective, which makes the noun less general. But this does not lead to a change in the article. He doesn’t love abstract art. Sometimes a noun in the generalized case can act as a descriptive definition. In this case, the article is also not used . I am fond of science fiction If an abstract noun has a descriptive definition expressing a type of quality, state, feeling, such a noun can be used with an indefinite article. He got a good education. If an abstract noun has an individualizing definition, or is specified by a situation, the definite article is used . I like the music of this film.
The following nouns are never used with the indefinite article: advice, assistance, bliss, breeding, cunning, control, evidence, fun, guidance, health, information, money, nature, news, nonsense, permission, progress, trade, weather, work.
6. Used without an article collective nouns denoting a group of objects: advice, baggage, chinaware, equipment, furniture, information, news etc.
7. Before a noun in circulation functions no article is used. Good morning, captain! Can I ask you a question, young man?
8. The article is not used before nouns denoting Times of Day in the event that they denote light, darkness: day, night, morning, afternoon, noon, daytime, evening, twilight, dusk, nightfall, midnight, sunrise, sunset. Night came unexpectedly.
After nouns with prepositions: at, after, before, by, till, until, towards, past the article is also not used. I came home at night.
If the definition of a noun is words tomorrow, yesterday, or days of the week, the zero article is used. Since Friday evening I haven’t seen him.
The article is not used in the following prepositional combinations: all day (long), all night (through), day after day, day in day out, from morning till night, night after night, day and night, from day to day etc.
9. Titles seasons are used without an article. I don't like autumn. If the noun - the name of the season - is a nominal part of a compound predicate, the zero article is required. It is winter now. The appearance of a descriptive definition requires the indefinite article. It was a terribly rainy autumn. But the presence of adjectives late And early indicates the use of the zero article . It was early spring. If an individuating definition is present, the definite article is required . It was the summer of 1991, when he married. After prepositions during, for, through The definite article is also used. We always move to the country for the summer.
10. Titles meals used without an article . What would you like for dinner? If dinner, or any other meal is formal, or if it is individualized, then any article can be used. They gave a dinner. The lunch you cooked was marvelous.
11. Titles diseases usually used without an article. He has fallen ill with flu. Some nouns that are not medical terms name diseases: a headache, a pain in the back, a cold, a sore throat, etc. In English, these nouns are used without an article; in American English, they are used with an indefinite article. I have a terrible headache! If the noun denoting disease is plural, then it is used without an article .measles,mumps,shingles.
12. Titles home and sports games, sports, are used without an article. Why did you start playing football?
13. Titles sciences and school subjects used without an article . My favorite subject is Geography.
14. If nouns school, college, university, kindergarten, class, court, hospital, prison, jail, bed, sea, table, church, work are used without an article, this means the type of activity directly related to them. Dinner is ready. Sit down to table. If these nouns name a building, they are combined with the article that is appropriate for the situation. He was taken to hospital. We are going to the hospital to visit him.
15. The following are used with the zero article:
a) Noun town in opposition to the word country, and in the following phrases: to be in town, to go to town, to come back to town, to live (stay) in town, to be out of town, to leave town.
b) Noun space meaning “space”. When a child I used to dream of space.
c) Noun society in the meaning of “an organized society of people living in one place” People should work for the benefit of society.
d) Noun most meaning "majority". Most frogs can swim.
16. The article is omitted for brevity in newspaper and magazine headlines, advertisements, in telegram texts, geographical maps, theater stage directions . Doctor saves child. Can arrive later prepare room.
17. Proper nouns are used with a zero article:
a) C first and last names of people, names of animals. I saw Kate. If they are preceded by adjectives young, poor, lazy, etc., the article is also missing. Little John If before your own name there is a word denoting rank, title, profession, title (with a capital letter), or a noun expressing family relations, the article is not used. Lord Byron, Aunt Polly. When the preposition of appears, the definite article is used – the Duke of York. If the rank is a title without a proper name, then the article is required - the President. The article is not used with a noun in a prepositional phrase c of, where the main word means post, title. He was nominated for the post of President. Words denoting family members - father, sister, are considered as proper names if they are used in the speech of members of the same family. In this case, they are used without an article, with a capital letter.
If the surname is plural and denotes the entire family, the definite article is used - the Ivanovs.; or if there is an individualizing definition – It is the Belov, who phoned yesterday.
A proper name may be used with the indefinite article to indicate that it is “one of...” Is he not a Sympthon?; to give meaning to “some” - A Mr Brown called you.; when using a name to associate a quality inherent in it: My husband is a real Othello!
b) With names schools, colleges, universities, unless the name of the institution contains a restrictive qualification expressed by a prepositional phrase with of – the university of New York
c) With names magazines Times, Cosmopolitan
d) With names days of the week and months Friday, April
e) With names languages English, Chinese. If the language name contains the word language, the definite article is used.
f) With names holidays Christmas, New Year
g) Before abbreviations BA=Bachelor of Arts, and words denoting the names of organizations, when all capital letters making up the word are read as a single word: NATO, UNO
h) Geographical names are used with a zero article: continents, regions, countries, cities, villages. Britain, Canada. Exceptions – the Ukraine, the Argentine (but Argentina) the Lebanon, the Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, the Congo, the Caucasus, the Crimea, the Hague, the Vatican, the Ruhr, the Sudan, the Senegal, the Tyrol, the Yemen, the Philippines. If the name of the state contains a common noun – kingdom, commonwealth, union, state, republic, lands, federation, this name is used with the definite article . the USA
Titles areas with definition north(northern), south (southern), minor, Latin, middle, ancient, old . Ancient Greece
Titles streets, squares, bridges, city districts, public buildings, parks Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace, Red Square. Street names with ordinal numbers - Fifth Avenue. Exceptions – the Arbat, the Garden Ring, the Via Manzoni, the Gorky Park, the Snowdonia National Park, the Botanical Gardens, the Strand, the Mall, the Main Street, the High Street, the Bronx, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Severn Bridge.
Titles mountain peaks, islands – Everest, Corfu; lakes- only if there is a word lake – lake Baikal, But the Baikal.
Titles bays and peninsulas, in the absence of a word peninsula – Kamchatka, Hudson Bay. But in a prepositional construction with of the definite article is used - the Gulf of Mexico.
Titles capes Cape Horn, except the Cape of Good Hope.
Titles airports, train stations – Heathrow, Waterloo Station.
Titles waterfalls – Niagara Falls.
Titles restaurants, shops – Luigi's, Harrod's
Titles companies, airlines – Kodak, British Airways
Titles planets– Saturn, Mars
Titles churches, especially if they are named after a saint - St Paul's Cathedral
Geographical names with center used with the zero article – Lincoln Center
18. There is no article before nouns used in pairs and connected by prepositions from… till/to– from beginning to end, from hand to mouth.
If there is a preposition before a noun – by, at, off, on, in– by plane, at home
If two nouns are connected by a conjunction and– husband and wife.
Before nouns qualified by words next, last , if they mean future and past – last week.
The article is absent in a number of stable phrases, for example:
A noun that is inseparable from a verb.
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Noun inseparable from preposition
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A combined combination of two nouns with a preposition.
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Practical part
- “Don’t cry, ... baby,” said Carlson.
- You can see a sign in a plane: “Fasten... seatbelt when sit.”
- … President Medvedev invited … Mikhalkovs to the Kremlin. It was an official meeting with… President. … President of Russia made a speech in honor of the family.
- -...Mr. Bean is waiting for you in the room, Sir.
– Is he... Mr Bean who was calling all... day long yesterday?
- No, Sir. - My dream is a trip to… lake Baikal! … Baikal is the deepest and the most beautiful lake in the world!
- The koala means “no water”. ... koalas get liquid from eucalyptus leaves.
- I always bring… chinaware for my mum as a present.
- History class is in …room F.
- – Why do you like ... PE?
– Because I like playing … basketball and we play it very often. - He is in…prison. … prison is a public building used to house criminals.
- … prison where he is, is a modern one with a gym, a computer room and even an art center.
- More and more people go to live in … town every year. Farming is not popular nowadays.
- Have...fun! Don’t think about… money.
- –I think, I’ll take... ice-cream.
- Ok. And I will have… juice. I don’t like… ice-cream. - I remember... time when I was five. I was really happy.
- When I looked out of the window I saw … three girls who weren’t at … school yesterday. They had… three new schoolbags.
- When I lived in Sukhumi my favorite dish was … stewed lamb.
- It is not your toy! It is...Mike's computer!
- …twilight can be scary for little children.
- All...day long we were preparing for theexam.
- It is…summer now. It is… horribly hot summer. In spite of the fact that it is … late summer, the temperature is 30 degrees Celsius! We’ll remember … summer of 2010, for sure! During … summer we drank liters of water every hour!
- Children mustn’t eat crisps for… breakfast every day! It's unhealthy. … breakfast they can buy in a canteen is nutritious and warm.
- Nearly all the class has got...measles. Some children had … sore throat and … runny nose. So they've caught... cold.
Keys and comments
- Baby (noun in the function of address).
- Seatbelt (the article is omitted for brevity in advertisements).
- President (before your own name there is a word denoting the position (with a capital letter); the Mikhalkovs (the surname is in the plural and denotes the whole family); the President (position without a proper name); the President of Russia (an article with a noun in the prepositional phrase c of, where the main word means post, title).
- A Mr Bean (to give the meaning of “some”); the Mr Bean (individualizing definition); all day long (prepositional combination).
- lake Baikal (presence of the word lake); the Baikal (name of the lake).
- Koalas (singular (the koala) is used with the definite article in a general sense).
- Chinaware (collective noun denoting a group of objects).
- Room F (letter designation of a noun).
- PE (name of school subject); basketball (name of sport).
- In prison (type of activity directly related to the noun); a prison (general concept); the prison (noun specified).
- Most teachers (noun most meaning “majority”).
- Town (noun town in opposition to the word country).
- Fun, money (never used with the indefinite article, generalized meaning).
- An ice-cream (portion); juice (generalized meaning); ice-cream (generalized meaning).
- The time (abstract noun, has an individualizing definition).
- The three girls(noun specified); at school (a noun inseparable from the preposition);
- three new bags (descriptive definition).
- Lamb (meat as a type of food).
- Mike's computer (possessive case).
- Twilight (noun denoting time of day; means darkness).
- All day long (prepositional combination). late And Summer (noun - the name of the season, is a nominal part of a compound predicate); a horribly hot summer (descriptive definition); late summer (with adjectives early); the summer of (individualizing definition); the summer (after the preposition
- during).
- Breakfast (meal names); the breakfast (meal is individualized).
Measles (plural noun meaning disease); a sore throat, a runny nose, a cold (a non-medical noun that names a disease).
The article will be useful to those who want to understand the topic of setting articles in front of nationalities. I would advise you not to stupidly learn the rules, but to understand the nuances, and then you will not have difficulties with this issue. Here I have posted live examples from native speakers in which cases they use articles before nationalities and when they do not. I provided explanations everywhere. I also wrote, for those who don’t know which is correct: ‘American people’ or ‘Americans’.
Unlike the Russian language, in English, the names of nationalities are always written with a capital letter.
When the article is placed before nationalities - rules and examples
1. We use the article when we need to proudly say about our citizenship and belonging to a certain country or nationality:
He is Russian.
She is American.
We are English.
In English it will sound like this:
I am Russian. I'm a Russian.
She is American. She is an American.
We are English. We are the British.
Use the article to emphasize your nationality.
Native speakers themselves, in ordinary colloquial speech, speak about nationality without an article:
She is Canadian. She's Canadian.
He is Spanish. He's Spanish.
Alex is Russian. Alex is Russian.
I'm mostly Scottish. I'm more Scottish.
I met a nice guy. He is French. I met a nice guy. He is French.
But to a foreigner, a very subtle difference is that to him it sounds more like a reference to cultural qualities or characteristics of a person. Those. in Russian we translate: “She is Canadian,” but a foreigner will understand this as: “She is of Canadian origin.”
On a note: V English language the designation of nationality without an article is used in informal communication. But the article is always used in formal communication. While you are a beginner, stick to the article version.
Another important point.
If you say to an American: He is American, this may be considered an insult to citizens of other countries in North, Central and South America.
Here it is better to say: He is from the US or it is easier to put an article, as in the example below.Safe option: He is an American. He is American.
2. We put an article when a person’s marital status is mentioned:
She is married to an American. She is married to an American.
He is married to a Russian. He is married to a Russian.
She married an American. She married an American.
He married Kate. Not married Kate.
3. The article is used when there is a national designation of objects, objects, etc.:
Examples: Russian restaurant, Chinese shoes, Japanese food, American clothes.
He was a Russian gymnast. He was a Russian gymnast.
I had lunch in a Thai restaurant. I had lunch at a Thai restaurant.
Borscht is a predominantly Russian food. Borscht is predominantly a Russian food.
A European tour. European tour.
The Canadian embassy is in Moscow. The Canadian Embassy is located in Moscow.
That’s a typical American summer dinner. This is a typical American summer dinner.
We usually order Chinese/Japanese food.
We usually order Chinese/Japanese food.
The article is NOT used here.
4. The article - the - is used when talking about a specific group of people of a certain nationality:
Examples: Russians, Spaniards, Chinese, etc.
The Spaniards won the FIFA World Cup. The Spanish won the FIFA world cup.
Chinese people usually have dark hair, while Finns usually have fair hair.
The Chinese typically have dark hair, while the Finns typically have fair hair.
The Belgians I met were science students.
The Belgians I met were science students.
5. The placement of the article depends on the ending of the nationality.
Nationalities that end in -ian-ean- have an article.
Examples: an American, a Canadian, an Australian, a Russian.
He is an Italian. He's Italian.
She is an Egyptian. She is Egyptian.
I'm a Canadian. I am Canadian.
I'm an African. I am African.
A Mexican named Frida was an extraordinary artist.
A Mexican woman named Frida was an extraordinary artist.
BUT! if the nationality ends in -ish-ese- the article is NOT used!
It would be correct to say:
He is British.
He is British/English.
She is Japanese.
She's Japanese.
You are Dutch.
You are Dutch.
I'm Chinese.
I am Chinese.
In the plural, the above nationalities are written with the definite article - the -
The Brits.
British/English.
The Japanese.
Japanese. The Dutch.
Dutch.
The Chinese. Chinese.
6. We put the article when it is necessary to say: Muscovite, Parisian, New Yorker, Londoner, etc. Examples: a Muscovite, a Parisian, a New Yorker, a Londoner..
In the plural, the article is NOT indicated.
Muscovites celebrate Maslenitsa.
Muscovites celebrate Maslenitsa.
Why Londoners love London. Why Londoners love London.
New Yorkers are helpful and kind. New Yorkers are helpful and kind. How to correctly:
‘American people’ or ‘Americans’? Correct to say: Americans.
When the article is not placed before nationalities - examples
1. The article is NOT used when there is a national designation for objects in the plural. American movies are very popular in Russia.
American films are very popular in Russia. There are
many Russian immigrants in the US.
There are many Russian immigrants in the USA.
Different American regions have different accents. Different regions of America have different accents.
2. The article is NOT used when talking about the nation as a whole. Americans are constantly working.
Americans work all the time.
Australians like to eat eggs for breakfast.
Australians love to eat scrambled eggs for breakfast.
People from Holland are nice.
The Dutch are nice people.
Most Americans hate Trump.
Most Americans hate Trump.
Americans speak English differently to the British.
Americans speak English differently than the British.
3. The names of languages are used without an article.
UK English = British English.
British English. US English = American English.
American English.
Is Japanese hard to learn?
Is Japanese a difficult language to learn?
I sing in German, Latin, Russian, even Swedish and Hebrew.
BUT! I sing in German, Latin, Russian, even Swedish and Hebrew. if the full name of the language is indicated: English, French
etc.. then the definite article -the- must be indicated The English language is constantly growing and changing.
The English language is constantly growing and changing. 10 reasons I love the French language.
10 reasons why I love French. The official Mexican language is Spanish.
The official language of Mexico is Spanish.
4. The article is NOT used when talking about countries.* America is a continent, not a country.
America is a continent, not a country. Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world.
Canada is the second largest country in the world. I have several friends in Australia.
I have several friends in Australia. My cousin lives on Vancouver Island.
My cousin lives on Vancouver Island.
I went to Peru for 6 months. I went to Peru for 6 months.
St. Petersburg is known as the Venice of Russia.
St. Petersburg is known as the Venice of Russia.
In British Columbia we have much milder weather that the rest of Canada.
We have much milder weather in British Columbia than the rest of Canada.
* BUT!
Wonderful to swim in crystal clear water of the Maldives. It is wonderful to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives.
I didn't watch the US elections.
I didn't watch the US elections.
5. The article is NOT used if we are talking about belonging to a group of people united by something in common: Southern people speak slowly.
Southerners speak slower. Black people are funnier than white people.
Blacks/black people are funnier than whites. Why do Americans don’t like blacks?
Why don't Americans like blacks?
Many Eastern Europeans speak English.
Many people from Eastern Europe/Eastern Europeans speak English.
6. The article is NOT used when talking about belonging to a particular denomination.
Also, the word “people” is not added.
Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, etc. Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus...
Many Buddhists live in Asia.
BUT!
if we need to say: He is a Muslim, she is a Christian, He is a Jew, the article is placed - a-/the, depending on the context and the rules for using articles.
He is a Muslim.
He is a Muslim.
She's not a Christian.
She's not a Christian.
Is Mark Zuckerberg a Jew?
Is Mark Zuckerberg Jewish?
I hope the topic was useful, but to consolidate the result, I suggest going through exercises on this topic.
Also, for those working on their accent, listen It is impossible to boast of knowledge of English grammar without knowing seemingly insignificant but important details, for example, articles. One of the most insidious and treacherous of them is the definite article “the”. When communicating with a native speaker, it is very easy to get burned by using it inappropriately, or vice versa, by missing it. Knowing the following 10 rules, you can strengthen your knowledge on the front of articles and be more confident in the correctness of your sayings. But be extremely careful - the rules are full of exceptions and pitfalls. Don't say “thanks” just yet. Check what we have in store for ya! Let's start with something simple. You use an article when you want to distinguish a word from its other possible versions. If there is no confusion regarding what you mean, then you don't use the article . So if everyone already knows, for example, where you go to school (university or work), you simply say: “I"m going to school,” because there is no confusion. Or if you say that « are you ever going to go to school in general, you don't use articles the " The same applies to the house - usually everyone has one, and hell and Heaven, about which everyone knows. So, the next time you think about where you will go after death, think in English, and do it correctly: “I"m going to hell.” However, when we talk about special hell of a specific religion , the article “the” should already be: “ The are you ever going to go to school special hell of a specific religion hell.»
of Islam is far worse than (of Chirstianity, With that being said, it is important to remember that if countable noun one gun (are you ever going to go to school / two guns / ), That always use the article a an ). And at the same time remember that (can't bet, his before plural gunsbooks() or, innumerable, nouns, water, blood advice
chocolate
meat « are you ever going to go to school etc.). Generally We don't put", When
talking about something generally
, without specifics.
Cats are awesome pets! Here we are not talking about one specific awesome cat or pet, but about all awesome cats and pets at once. Women
love it when men
do it right.
Names of sports and other types of physical activity don't require article "the".
I love to go skiing in the winter.
I play baseball every day after school.
He loves watching hockey on TV.
She does yoga 3 times a week.
My daughter really enjoys dancing.
Family
We use « are you ever going to go to school"when we talk about family(by last name), but not about a specific person or combinations with names:
We"re having dinner with the Smiths tonight.
The Browns are going to the play with us.
John is coming over later.
Mary Carpenter is my boss.
Prince Charles is Queen Elizabeth's son.
President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.
Numbers
We don’t put an article, When:
- after the noun there is a number:
He's staying at the Haunted hotel in room 221.
The train to Noplaceville leaves from platform 2.
My Exorcism class is in room 6 on the first floor(“first” is the adjective in this sentence and describes “the floor.”)
- year indicated:
1948 was a wonderful year.
He was born in 1995 .
We put the article before:
- adjectives in superlatives and ordinal numbers:
the third movie
the tallest kid
the last hour
- decades and other periods of years:
I"m the kid of the nineties.
This is a painting from the 1820's.
Only
If there is such a word in a sentence, then feel free to put “the” in front of it:
This is the only day we"ve had sunshine all week.
You are the only person she will listen to.
The only tea I like is black tea.
Not for the first time
We put " two guns"when we talk about something for the first time, and then change to « are you ever going to go to school"when what is being discussed is it's becoming clear. Also put « are you ever going to go to school"when everything is with completely obvious, or when something or someone is one of a kind. Using this rule, you will be right in most cases, but remember about hell and heaven.
He was talking to a man. The man was laughing.
She gave him a present. The present was very expensive.
I cleaned the bathroom this morning.
The sun is hot today.
He walked around the world.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
We don't use article before the names of meals:
We had lunch at noon.
I have breakfast at 7 a.m.
Proper names
Majority names holidays, companies, languages, countries, streets, airports, stations, cities, continents, islands, individual mountains, lakes etc. - all these are proper names, and article Here usually not needed. But it is precisely in this section of the rules for using “the” that there is many exceptions, so be extremely careful.
McDonald's has restaurants in 119 countries.
Victoria Station is in the center of London.
Can you direct me to Bond Street?
She lives in Florence.
I got some cool ideas for Halloween. (there is only 1 Halloween that everyone knows about)
Asia and Europe are two continents, in case you didn't know.
Her son graduated from Harvard. (but “He has a master’s degree from the University of Toronto»).
I"m leaving for America next week (but " the United States»).
Lake Ontario and Lake Huron are 2 of the Great Lakes(“the Great Lakes” - a group of lakes on the border between Canada and the United States requires an article).
I teach people how to speak English / Chinese / Spanish / Russian(however, when talking about the inhabitants of a particular nation: “ The Spanish are known for their warm hospitality").
Mount Everest is the one I plan to climb next week (but “ the Ends», « the Rockies" or unusual names of individual mountains, such as Mt. " the Matterhorn"(peak in the Pennine Alps).
Easter Island, Maui, Key West- none of these islands I "ve visited (but chains islands like " the Aleutians», « the Hebrides" or" the Canary Islands» require an article).
Names, establishments and places
We don't use « are you ever going to go to school" before:
- names of professions, school subjects, shops and some places:
My office is located on Main Street/Washington Blvd..
I usually go to church on Sundays.
Did you go to school today?
She's studying business at university.
Engineering is a well-paid career.
He'll probably study medicine.
I"ll get the card at Smith's.
Can you go to Boots for me?
- names of subjects at school:
math
geography
business
history
science
- before in the following words in its general sense:
school
prison
college
I hope to go to college.
He spent three years in prison.
We use « are you ever going to go to school" before:
- names of rivers, oceans and seas ( the Nile, the Pacific,the Arctic, the Atlantic, the Black Sea, the Thames);
- countries ( the Netherlands, the Philippines), also before those whose names include the words " republic", « states" And " kingdom» ( the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, the Republic of Ireland, the United States, the United Kingdom);
- dots globe (the Equator, the North Pole);
- geographical areas ( the Middle East, the West);
- deserts, forests, sea bays and peninsulas ( the Sahara, the Persian Gulf, the Black Forest, the Iberian Peninsula).
- names of newspapers and famous buildings, works of art, museums and monuments ( the New York Times, the Guardian,the Vietnam Memorial, the Louvre, the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower,the Globe).
- before the names of hotels and restaurants, unless they are named after a person ( the Golden Lion, the Hilton).
- in front of already known places that people usually go to ( the bank, the supermarket, the doctor's)
Let's go the movies.
My dad is in the hospital(Americans will put the article here, but the British may omit it).
She works at the post office.
What time do you have to be at the airport?
Please drop me off at the bus stop.
She doesn't like to go to the doctor or the dentist.
Abbreviations
Or acronyms are shortened forms of the name of something, using the capital letters of each word to form a new one. So, if the acronym is pronounced like a word, We we don't use « are you ever going to go to school»:
NATO['neɪtoʊ] (North Atlantic Treaty Organization here pronounced as one word) ambassadors met to discuss the situation.
UNSECO(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was formed in 1946.
Sorry, you've got AIDS(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
The same goes for abbreviations names of educational institutions:
She has a Ph. D from MIT(Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
However, if the abbreviation is spelled out, That article"the" is needed. And you may well say the NATO member(NATO member).
The UN was created after the Second World War (United Nations = UN and spelled).
The same applies to the following abbreviations:
the EU(European Union)
the US(United States)
the CIA(Central Intelligence Agency)
the FBI(Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Now, in theory, you should be from “the” to “you,” but do not rush to become familiar. Don't forget about exceptions and the main rule. Good luck in learning English and keep the progress going!
Big and friendly EnglishDom family
Used before singular and plural nouns when talking about something definite, specific.
" The same applies to the house - usually everyone has one, and hell and Heaven, about which everyone knows. So, the next time you think about where you will go after death, think in English, and do it correctly: “I"m going to hell.” However, when we talk about criminals robbed are you ever going to go to school bank . – Criminals robbed a bank (of some specific kind).
Please close are you ever going to go to school door. – Please close the door (not any door in the house, but this door).
In other words, if you can add “some” before a noun, then there will be an indefinite article, and if “that same \ those same ones” fits, then there will be a definite article.
The definite article is also used with nouns that mean:
1. Something unique, existing in a single copy
the Sun - the sun,
the Columbia river - the Columbia River.
(about the article before proper names, see below)
2. Periods (segments) of time
in the morning - in the morning,
in the past - in the past.
3. Before adjectives in the superlative degree
the biggest mall in Moscow – the biggest shopping mall in Moscow.
The article can quite significantly change the meaning of the entire sentence. For example:
I met a girl yesterday. – I met a girl on the street (I was just walking and saw some girl).
I met the girl yesterday. – I met a girl yesterday (I saw THAT SAME girl, for example, the love of my life).
Zero articles in English
In some cases, the article is not used at all before the noun, for example:
1. It means something very general
Crime and punishment. – Crime (in general) and punishment (in general).
Life is strange. – Life is strange (life in general).
2. Before the names of days of the week, months, seasons
See you on Monday. - See you on Monday.
August is the last month in summer. – August is the last month of summer.
3. Before words denoting food intake
Let's have breakfast. - Let's have breakfast.
Lunch is ready. - Lunch is ready.
Article before proper names
Difficulties with articles arise when we are faced with the issue of using articles before proper names. You probably noticed that, for example, in front of some geographical names there is no article, but is placed before others are you ever going to go to school. Let's consider first when articles are before proper names Not needed.
When the article is NOT placed before a proper noun
In most cases, articles are not used before proper names. A proper name denotes a specific person or thing, this is understandable even without an article, so usually the article is not needed.
Here are examples of such cases:
1. Before names.
Jonh, Misha Sidorov, Lewis.
2. Before names with a form of address or title, degree, etc.
General Pupkin, Professor Pavlov, Mr. White.
3. Before common nouns, which serve as an appeal.
Essentially, they are treated as a proper noun:
How are you doing, sergeant? - How are you, Sergeant?
How can I help you, professor? - How can I help you, professor?
4. Before the names of family members, if they are used by members of the same family.
In such cases, the words father, mother, sister, etc. are used practically as proper names.
Let's see what mom says - Let's see what mom says.
I’ve got to ask father about it - I have to ask my father about this.
Note: the word “mother” is written in the USA mom, and in Great Britain - mum.
When an article is needed before a proper name
There are cases when the article the is placed before proper names. There is not always a pattern in them, here are some typical cases:
1. Before plural surnames in the meaning “such and such family”:
The Whites live in Albuquerque – The Whites (the White family) live in Albuquerque.
Have you invited the Petrovs? – Did you invite the Petrovs (Petrov family)?
2. Before some geographical names.
This is a rather confusing point, since in the use of the article before toponyms, in some places there are patterns, in others there are not, and in others it is possible both ways. For example, on maps, articles are never written before names to save space. About some general patterns and exceptions are well explained in this video from Puzzle English:
My personal note: I never tried to remember all the nuances of using articles before geographical names. And that's why. I use them very rarely in speech, and if I do use them, they are the same ones (I’m from Russia). Even if I memorize everything that Anton talks about in the video, I will still happily forget most of it, because this knowledge is rarely useful. I don't see anything wrong with difficult case look in the reference book or google it. When I write in Russian, I often have to turn to reference literature (anyone who writes something by line of work will say the same thing), let alone talk about foreign languages.
English articles in set expressions
There are a number set expressions, in which the definite or indefinite article is used.
| Set expressions with the indefinite article A/AN | |
|---|---|
| a few | some |
| a little | A little |
| a lot of | a lot of |
| a great deal of | a lot of |
| a good deal | a lot of |
| as a rule | usually |
| as a result | as a result |
| as a matter of fact | as a matter of fact |
| at a speed of | with speed |
| at a time when | during the time when |
| for a while | for a while |
| for a long (short) time | for a long (short) time |
| in a low (loud) voice | in a quiet (loud) voice |
| to be in a hurry | hurry |
| to go for a walk | to go for a walk |
| to have a cold | have a cold |
| to have a good time | have a good time |
| to have a mind | mean |
| to have a look | take a look |
| to have a smoke | light a cigarette |
| to have a rest | relax |
| to take a seat | sit down |
| to tell a lie | lie |
| It is a pity | it's a pity |
| It is a pleasure. | With pleasure. |
| What a shame! | What a disgrace! |
| Set expressions with the definite article THE | |
| by the way | by the way |
| in the morning | in the morning |
| in the afternoon | during the day |
| in the evening | In the evening |
| in the country | outside the city, in the village |
| in the past | in past |
| in the present | present |
| in the future | in future |
| in the distance | in the distance |
| in the plural | in plural |
| in the singular | singular |
| in the street | on the street |
| just the same | the same |
| on the one hand… on the other hand | on the one hand on the other hand |
| on the right (left) | right left) |
| in the whole | in general, in general |
| out of the question | impossible, out of the question |
| on the other day | the other day (in relation to the past) |
| the day after tomorrow | day after tomorrow |
| the day before yesterday | day before yesterday |
| to go to the theater (the cinema) | go to the theater (cinema) |
| to go to the country | to go out of town |
| to pass the time | spend time |
| to play the piano (guitar, violin, etc) | play the piano (guitar, violin, etc.) |
| to tell the truth | tell the truth (but speaking about lies – to tell a lie) |
| to tell the time | tell what time it is |
| to the right (left) | right left) |
| What is the time? | What time is it now? |
| Set expressions WITHOUT articles | |
| to ask permission | ask permission |
| to be in bed | lie in bed, get sick |
| to be at home | be at home |
| to be at school | be at school |
| to be at table | be at the table (at the meal) |
| to be in town | be in town |
| to be on holiday | to be on vacation |
| to declare war | to declare a war |
| to go by water (air, sea, land) | travel by water (air, sea, land) |
| to go home | Go home |
| to go to bed | go to sleep |
| to go to school | go to school (study) |
| to go to sea | become a sailor |
| to go to town | go to town |
| to keep house | run a household |
| to leave school | to graduate school |
| to leave town | leave the city |
| to make haste | hurry |
| to make use of | use |
| to play chess (cards, hockey, etc.) | play chess (cards, hockey, etc.) |
| to take care | take care |
| to take part | participate |
| to take place | take place |
| to go by bus (car, train) | go by bus (car, train) |
| at breakfast (dinner, supper) | at breakfast (lunch, dinner) |
| at hand | at hand |
| at home | Houses |
| at night | at night |
| at peace | in the world |
| at present | currently |
| at school | at school (in class) |
| at sunrise | at dawn |
| at sunset | On the Sunset |
| at table | at the table |
| at war | at war |
| at work | At work |
| by air | by air |
| by chance | accidentally |
| by day | during the day |
| by hand | by hand |
| by heart | by heart |
| by land | by land |
| by sea | by sea |
| by mail | by mail |
| by means of | through |
| by mistake | wrong |
| by name | by name |
| by night | at night |
| by phone | by phone |
| by post | by mail |
| by train (bus, taxi, etc.) | by train (bus, taxi, etc.) |
| in conclusion | Finally |
| in debt | in debt |
| in detail | in detail |
| in fact | really |
| in mind | mentally |
| in time | during |
| in trouble | in trouble |
| on board | on board |
| on business | on business |
| on credit | on credit |
| on deck | on deck |
| on foot | on foot |
| on holiday | on holiday |
| on sale | on sale |