1. Articles

2. common noun or noun phrase
Use of Articles
common noun or noun phrase
Uncountable
Countable
Singular
Plural
the
(specific)
zero (Ø) (generic)
a/an
(non-specific)
the
(specific)
the Ø
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3. Articles Are used with certain categories of proper nouns
Are used with common nouns or noun phrases
Consist of the indefinite article (a/an) and the definite article (the)
Are absent in non-specific cases and are indicated by the Ø (zero article)
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4. Rules for Using Articles
These categories of proper nouns do not require “the”
Categories
People’s names
Cities and states
Singular names of countries
Months/days
Streets
Religious buildings
Mountains
Parks
Lakes
Examples
John Locke
Bangkok, Negri Sembilan
Indonesia, Australia
May, Tuesday
Pickering Street, Holland Road
St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Mount Fuji
Hyde Park
Lake Victoria
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5. Rules for Using Articles
The proper nouns below require “the”.
Categories
Museums and galleries
Buildings
Highways
Seas and oceans
Rivers and deserts
Periods and events in history
Bridges
Countries with United, Union, Kingdom, Republic
Island groups ending in (e)s
Examples
the Asian Civilization Museum
the University Cultural Centre
the Pan-Island Expressway
the South China Sea
the Mississippi, the Gobi desert
the Dark Ages
the Manhattan Bridge
the United States, the People’s Republic of China
the Philippines
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6. Rules for Using Articles
Depend on generic or specific reference
Comment on the use of the articles in the sentences below.
A paper on global warming was presented at a conference.
The paper on global warming was presented at the conference.
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7. Specific Reference
Is recognizable by both the writer and the reader through shared knowledge.
The sun rises in the east. (Fact)
The lab report should be submitted today. (Both the writer and the reader know which lab report is being referred to.)
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8. Specific Reference Is used after a general reference is made.
EG1471 students are required to write an essay in the semester. The essay will be revised a few times.
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9. Specific Reference
Is used when the noun has been modified by an adjectival phrase or clause.
The portfolios that students have to prepare consist of different assignments.
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10. Nonspecific and Generic References
Happen when neither the writer nor the reader identify the noun as something known, unique or familiar.
Ø University students receive Ø tuition grants for their studies.
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11. Nonspecific and Generic Reference
Use a/an with a singular countable noun that is non-specific.
An engineering textbook was left at the counter.
A lecturer gave the freshmen an overview of the course.
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12. Use of A and An
Depends on
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13. Nonspecific and Generic Reference
Do not use an article when a plural countable noun is non-specific.
Ø Graduates are held in high esteem by Ø employers.
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14. Nonspecific and Generic Reference
Do not use an article when an uncountable noun is non-specific.
The internet is a rich resource of Ø information.
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15. Nonspecific and Generic Reference
Do not use an article when a generalization is made about an uncountable noun.
Ø Water is scarce in many countries.
Ø Oil is a finite resource.
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16. Abstract Generic vs. Concrete Generic
Abstract Generic: The Entire Class
The wasp can detect unique volatile compounds over great distances.
The laser has many uses in medicine.
The computer has been invaluable in scientific advancement.
Concrete Generic: A Representative Class
A wasp can be trained to detect odors.
A laser can be used by a surgeon to make very clean cuts.
Computers are playing a growing role in all aspects of university life
Source: Swales & Feak (2009), 299.
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17. Superlatives, Ordinals and Sole References
The definite article “the” is always used with the above categories.
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. (superlative)
Statistics is the second most difficult subject. (ordinal)
The main (only/sole/chief) reason I do engineering is to contribute to mankind. (sole reference)
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18. Sources
Lane, A. and Lange, E. (1999). Writing Clearly: An Editing Guide (2nd ed.). Boston: Heinle and Heinle Publishers,
Raimes, A. (2006). Grammar Troublespots: A Guide for Student Writers (3rd ed.). New York: Cambridge University Press,
Swales, J.M. and Feak, C.B. (2009). Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills (2nd ed.). USA: The University of Michigan Press,
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