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English Grammar 102 – Definite and Indefinite Articles

The definite article “the” is used to talk about something specific, something which has already been mentioned, and with superlative forms.

Where is the dog?
The computer in my office is broken.
I have a bag and a suitcase. The bag is very heavy.
The best teacher I have is Sue.

The indefinite articles“a/an” are used when we are talking aout something for the first time, or when we don’t specify exactly which thing we are referring to.

“A” is used before words which begin with a consonant sound, while “an” is followed by words beginning with vowel sounds.

I have a black cat.
I want to buy an umbrella.

No article is used when the meaning is general, with plural or abstract nouns, or with proper names.

Paolo is in Brazil.
Cricket is popular in India.
Food is expensive in London.

The use of articles can be different in other languages. For example, Italian students should be careful with the phrases:

I have a headache.
He has a temperature.

Grammar
101 Subject Pronouns
102 Articles
103 Plurals
104 Countable or Uncountable?
105 Regular Present Tense
106 Irregular Present Tense
107 Present Continuous
108 Demonstratives
109 Question Words
110 There is/are

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