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What are the two indefinite articles in the English language?
What are the two indefinite articles in the English language?
The indefinite article 'a' is used before singular countable nouns only.
The indefinite article 'a' is used before singular countable nouns only.
False (B)
'An hour' is an example of the indefinite article being used correctly.
'An hour' is an example of the indefinite article being used correctly.
True (A)
Which of the following is an example of the definite article being used correctly?
Which of the following is an example of the definite article being used correctly?
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When is the indefinite article 'a' used before a word beginning with the letter 'h'?
When is the indefinite article 'a' used before a word beginning with the letter 'h'?
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The definite article 'the' is always used before proper nouns.
The definite article 'the' is always used before proper nouns.
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Study Notes
Articles
- Articles are words used before nouns.
- There are two articles: a/an (indefinite) and the (definite).
- The indefinite article (a/an) is used before singular countable nouns, and leaves the person or thing spoken of indefinite. Examples: a doctor, an orange.
- The definite article (the) is used before singular countable nouns, plural countable nouns, and uncountable nouns. It points out a particular person or thing. Example: the book.
- The choice between "a" and "an" depends on the sound following; "an" precedes vowel sounds, and "a" precedes consonant sounds. Examples: an orange, a book.
- Words beginning with "h" are treated differently, as the "h" sound may not be pronounced (hour/honest...).
Use of the Definite Article
- The is used when referring to a specific person or thing already mentioned in the context. Example: This is the book you want.
- The is used with nouns representing a whole class of things, as in classifying them. Example: The horse is a useful animal.
- The is used before certain proper nouns, like oceans, seas, rivers, deserts, groups of islands and mountain ranges. Example: The Pacific, the Nile, the Sahara.
- The is used before the names of books, as well as unique things. Example: The Vedas, the sky, the sun.
- The is used before a proper noun modified by an adjective or clause. Examples: The great Caesar, The man who saved us.
Use of the Indefinite Article
- The indefinite article (a/an) is used in its original numerical sense of one. Example: Twelve inches make a foot.
- The indefinite article is used in the vague sense of a certain. Example: A Kishore Kumar is suspected by the police.
- The indefinite article is used in the sense of any, to single out an individual as the representative of a class. Example: A cow is a useful animal.
- The indefinite article is used to make a common noun of a proper noun. Example: A Daniel come to judgement.
Omission of the Article
- Articles are often omitted before names of substances and abstract nouns. Example: Sugar is bad for your teeth.
- Articles are omitted before plural countable nouns used in a general sense, and with proper nouns referencing people, places, etc., except for some phrases like "to catch fire." Example: Children like chocolates.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the use of articles in the English language, including both indefinite (a/an) and definite (the) articles. It covers their function with countable and uncountable nouns, as well as special cases like words starting with 'h'. Test your knowledge on when and how to use these essential articles!
