Article undefined in English: rules of use

Each language has its own distinctive features, which can present difficulties for students. In English, one of such stumbling blocks is the use of the article, which is not in Russian. At the same time, the task does not seem very difficult, if you learn the basic rules, exceptions, and provide a systematic practice with the consolidation of the acquired knowledge. A definite and indefinite article is used in English with a noun (who? What?), And characterize the grammatical category of certainty or uncertainty. There is a clear list of cases that govern the use of this part of speech. The rules for the use of articles are divided into three groups: a definite and indefinite article, and a zero article (its complete absence). For each, there are rules and exceptions in use. Knowledge of the most common examples will already be the first step on the path to progress in learning the language.

The indefinite article in English is used only with a noun in the singular, since it is derived from the numeral "one". He gives the concept of an object as a representative of a particular class or kind. The indefinite article also has the equivalents-determinants some, any and one (some, any, one). It is not used with plural nouns, and this is one of the most common mistakes that beginners make.

In Russian, the indefinite article has a number of equivalents: each, every, any, one, some, some.

There are two forms - a and an, the use of which is dictated by the sound from which the next word begins. The article "an" is a phonetic form "a", and is used with a noun, starting with a vowel sound.
Before words beginning with a consonant, a is used.

It's a book - This is a book.

It's an animal - It's an animal.

The indefinite article has a number of rules and cases of use, which all English learners should familiarize themselves with. Among them are the following:

1. At the first mention

The indefinite article a / an is used before the name of a noun that calls an object, but does not distinguish it specifically from certain kinds of objects.

Suddenly a bird.

Suddenly, a bird appeared outside the window.

This is an interesting place.

This is an interesting place.

2. When mentioning an example

A thermometer is used for measuring temperature.

A thermometer is used to measure the temperature.

3. To mention something one of a class of similar (things or people)

Lindsey is an American.

Lindsay is an American.

She is a doctor.

She is a doctor.

It's a racing bike.

It's a racing bike.

4. When mentioning tariffs, rates, rates, etc.

Some people can cycle at 50 km an hour.

Some people can ride a bicycle at a speed of 50 km / h.

Jane earns 1000 USD per month.

Jane earns 1,000 dollars a month.

5. To replace the numeral "one"

What would you like to eat? Can I have an apple?

What would you like to eat? Can I have an apple?

He could not say a word.

He could not utter a word.

I have not eaten a thing.

I did not eat anything.

6. For large integers, fractional parts, weights and distances

A hundred is a hundred.

Three and a half - three and a half.

A million is a million.

A kilo is a kilogram.

A third - the third.

A metre and a half - a meter and a half.

7. In collocations with a headache, a cold, etc.

I've got a headache | An earache | A toothache.

I have a headache / ears / teeth.

Have you got a cold?

Did you catch a cold?

8. In expressions such as What a ...! Such a ...!

What a ...! Used in cases where you are surprised by something, or under the impression.

What a fantastic idea!

What a fantastic idea!

What a great car you have got!

What a wonderful car you have!

Such a ....! It is used for additional accentuation of nouns in the singular.

This is such a difficult situation!

This is such a difficult situation!

You are such a good friend!

You're such a good friend!

9. To describe one example from a number of similar

That's a Picasso (work of art).

This is Picasso's work.

This is a Whitney Houston song.

It's Whitney Houston's song.

10. The article is indefinite in the descriptions

He is a good friend.

He's a good friend.

It's a wonderful day.

It's a wonderful day.

11. With abstract, material and uncountable nouns

In these cases, the indefinite article allows you to change the meaning of a word, translating it into a specific noun.

Ice - ice.

Iron is iron.

The a / an indefinite article is not used in the following cases:

1. Before the adjectives, after which there is no noun.

It's a bad day. It's bad.

It's a bad day. Bad.

2. The indefinite article a / an is not used before possessive pronouns, which are also determinants of nouns.

It's my car.

This is my car.

She is my best friend.

She is my best friend

But:

She is a friend of mine.

She's my friend.

In this structure, "a ... of mine / yours", etc. the article is used, since it is stable in English.

Separately it is worth mentioning the use of an indefinite article in cases that need to be memorized, since they can not be explained by rules:

Twice a day - twice a day.

A few - a few.

A little - a little.

In a hurry - in a hurry.

For a long time - for a long time.

Have a look at.

Go for a walk - go for a walk.

Exercises for the practice of the use of articles

As with any part of speech in the English language, systemic practice of grammar is required and the rules of learning must be fixed by repetition in the oral and written form. How to choose the right materials and build a practical course? The indefinite article (exercises can be found in many grammars) is worked through in tasks both test and creative.

The most common:

1. Choose the correct form of the article in the ready-made offers with badges.

2. Choose the correct version of the article from the two possible ones.

3. Choose option A, B, C, D with various examples of using the article.

4. Underline the required form of article from the proposed.

5. Listen to the text and fill in the gaps with your articles.

6. Find the errors in the use of articles in the text and correct for the correct options.

Each of the exercises allows you to train written language and listening to the use of this grammatical part. Separately it is worth noting assignments for writing essays, suggesting a topic with the difficulties of using articles. Such exercises more fully reflect the picture of the student's knowledge. Works allow the teacher to assess the skills of grammar in free text when the student reproduces not a previously voiced task, but only the rules for the use of articles with nouns fixed before automaticity. The knowledge of exceptions is verified in the same context.

The indefinite article is an important part of the grammar of the English language, and knowledge of the rules of its use will greatly improve the overall level. A competent speech is distinguished by the knowledge of small things, and it is they who "give" you first. The article is equally used both in oral and in written language, only in the first variant it can merge with other words, and in the second you will be "as in the palm of your hand." Read the rules, practice the exercises, and fix the vague article in spoken English for maximum efficiency and result.