Indefinite article Definite article Zero article Singular countable nouns (when we are not being specific or when we mention something for the first time) Singular countable nouns (when we are being specific) Plural countable nouns (when we are talking generally) Singular countable nouns (when we are talking generally) Uncountable nouns (when we are talking generally) Plural countable nouns (when we are being specific) Uncountable nouns (when we are being specific)
Use Example Time definite article: in the 1990s, in (the) summer, in the morning zero article: in 2008, in June, on Friday, at night People & work indefinite article: have a job, work as a … definite article: the queen, the principal, the president, the French zero article: become president, go to work, be at work, have work to do, he's French Places definite article: the Alps, the Atlantic Ocean, the River Thames, the Earth, the Arctic, the USA, the UK, the Cyclades zero article: Mount Everest, Paris, America, Mars/Venus/Jupiter/ etc, Oxford Street Lake Superior, Crete Entertainment & sport definite article: the media, on the radio, play the guitar, go to the cinema, watch (the) TV zero article: listen to music, on television, play tennis /football/etc. Organizations definite article: the army, the police, the fire brigade Education definite article: go to the school (as a visitor), be in the first year zero article: go to school (as a student), be in Class 3B, maths Travel indefinite article: take a taxi, catch a/the bus definite article: on the bus zero article on foot, go home, go by bus Health indefinite article: have a cold/headache/cough definite article: have (the) flu/measles zero article: have toothache Public buildings definite article: the bank, the tax office, go to the hospital/prison (as a visitor) zero article: go to hospital/prison/church (as a patient/prisoner/worshipper)
Countable Uncountable Countable nouns • Use a, the, some, many • Use a singular or plural verb Uncountable nouns • Use the, some, much • Use a singular verb Common uncountable nouns: Single: advice, coffee, furniture, glass, hair, homework, information, knowledge, luggage, money, news, paper, work Plural: clothes, scissors, jeans, spectacles, trousers, groceries, etc. With these words, we use a plural verb. Some nouns are countable with one meaning and uncountable with another meaning. ✓ Do you think you could bring me a clean glass? (countable) ✓ We should make computer monitors out of recycled glass. (uncountable)
Write an article in each gap where necessary. If an article is not necessary, write a dash Being in the news Every day on TV we see stories about famous actors, singers or politicians. However, (1)............ lots of ordinary people also find themselves in (2)............ n ews because of something dramatic that happens in their lives. Suddenly becoming well-known at such a stressful time can have (3)............ enormous effect on you. This is especially the case when you are the victim of a serious crime or a tragedy. It helps to have to have (4)............ few close who you can trust and who can advise you. With (5)............ little patience, you will find that the reporters soon move on to (6)............ next story. There isn't much you can do but try to get on with your life as well as you can.
1 Oh, I didn't tell you! We've got.......... new English teacher. А) а B) an C) the D) no word 2 Here's DVD you asked to borrow. А) а B) an C) the D) no word 3 We're out of......... coffee, so could you get some from the supermarket? А) а B) an C) the D) no word 4 The prize is......... unique opportunity to travel the world! А) а B) an C) the D) no word 5 It looks like.......... glass in your bedroom window is cracked. А) а B) an C) the D) no word 6 It's honour to be here this evening to speak to you. А) а B) an C) the D) no word 7 There's good chance we'll be late for the meeting. А) а B) an C) the D) no word Reports are coming in of a major oil spill in Mediterranean. А) а B) an C) the D) no word I went to see the doctor because I'm finding it difficult to sleep at.......... night. А) а B) an C) the D) no word 10 Do you think that they'll ever send a manned mission to Venus? А) а B) an C) the D) no word
Rewrite the sentences correctly, adding articles where necessary. We went to theatre last night and saw great play, although some of acting was bit poor. Give me ring tomorrow before I go to work and we'll arrange to meet at office. Prime minister told reporter that government wanted to pass law banning hunting. I asked hotel manager where pool was and she directed me to to seventh floor. They said on news on radio that Mount Vesuvius, volcano that destroyed Pompeii, could erupt again. Car has revolutionised transport and is absolutely vital to economy of most countries. Judge read jury's verdict aloud and then sentenced accused to five years in prison. Job in media can be quite stressful because of pressure you are under to do things on time. Very few people in 19th century went to school or university and most started work at very young age. I have little free time since I gave up karate, so I'm thinking of trying new hobby, like learning a musical instrument.
Find 10 mistakes in the passage and correct them Newsflash! We interrupt your usual schedule to bring you an important news. We are receiving informations about a spaceship that has landed outside the Kremlin. The large ship seems to be made of glasses. Reports say that a short time ago aliens came out of the craft. Eye-witnesses described them as short and said their clothes was made of metal and their hairs was bright green. Strangely, one of them appeared to be wearing a jean. Much people said that they seemed to be friendly. The President of the Russian Federation is currently holding a meeting with the visitors in the hope that we can exchange knowledges. Police advice are to stay indoors and under no circumstances more approach the spaceship. We will be back with another news as soon as we can. And now, back to your usual programme, Gardening for Beginners.
