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This guide provides essential rules for using articles in English, focusing on 'a,' 'an,' and 'the.' Learn important guidelines such as not using 'a/an' with plural or uncountable nouns, using 'a/an' based on sound rather than letter, and the correct way to follow nouns with articles. Understand specific instances for using 'the' with countable and uncountable nouns, as well as when not to use it with proper nouns. These rules will help improve your English grammar and enhance your writing skills.
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Common errors in English : a,an,The BPL-ESL June 27, 2014
Rule # 1 • Do NOT use a/an with plural or uncountable nouns • a fact = correct • a facts = incorrect (plural) • an advice = incorrect (uncountable)
Rule #2 • A/An follows the SOUND, not the LETTER • a university • an umbrella • a hat (h is not silent) • an hour (h is silent)
Rule #3 • Do NOT use a/an without a noun following it • He is an intelligent = incorrect (intelligent is an adjective, not a noun) • He is an intelligent man = correct (now has the noun man after an intelligent)
Rule #4 • THE can be used for singular/plural, and for countable/uncountable nouns, when talking about something specific (not general) • I love pasta (general) • I love the pasta at that restaurant (specific) • I need advice. (general) • The advice you gave me was very helpful. (specific)
Rule #5 • Do NOT use THE for proper nouns • Names of continents/countries*/states/cities/streets • *exceptions: the US, the UK, the Philippines • Companies & Universities** • **exceptions: If the university’s name BEGINS with university, then use the (the University of Miami) • Languages & Holidays • I’d like to visit Russia. • Have you ever been to California? • My husband works at Starbucks. • He graduated from Harvard. • My sister will be going to the University of Ohio this summer. • He speaks Italian fluently. • The library will be closed on New Year’s Day
Rule #6 • With other places, THE is sometimes used: • Do NOT use THE with individual lakes or mountains • Use THE with oceans, rivers, valleys, deserts, mountain ranges, points on the globe • The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest. • We went sailing on the Charles River.
More on using THE • Do NOT use THE with the following places: • I’m going home. • She’s at work. • He’s in jail. • We went to church on Sunday. • My kids went to bed. • My brother’s in college. • Use THE with the following places: • Let’s go to the movies. • I need to go to the bank. • Her mother is in the hospital. • I need to get a taxi to the airport. • I’ll wait for you at the train station. • I’m going to the dentist tomorrow.