Every language has its own distinctive features that can be difficult for learners. In English, one of these stumbling blocks is the use of the article, which is not found in Russian. At the same time, the task does not seem very difficult if you learn the basic rules, exceptions, and provide systematic practice with the consolidation of the acquired knowledge. The definite and indefinite articles are used in English with a noun (who? what?), and characterize the grammatical category of definiteness or indefiniteness. 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: the definite and indefinite article, as well as the zero article (its complete absence). For each there are rules and exceptions in use. Knowing the most common examples will already be the first step towards progress in language learning.
The indefinite article in English is used only witha noun in the singular, as it is derived from the numeral "one". It gives the concept of an object as a representative of a certain class or genus. The indefinite article also has equivalent determinants some, any and one (some, any, one). It is not used with plural nouns and is one of the most common mistakes new students make.
In Russian, the indefinite article has a number of equivalents: each, every, any, one, any, any.
There are two forms - a and an, the use of which is dictated by the sound with which the next word begins. The article "an" is the phonetic form of "a" and is used with a noun that begins with a vowel. A variant is used before words that begin with a consonant.
It's a book - This is a book.
It's an animal - This is an animal.
The indefinite article has a number of rules and uses that all learners of English should be familiar with. Among them are the following:
1. At first mention
The indefinite article a/an is used before a noun that names an object, but does not distinguish it specifically among a certain kind of objects.
Suddenly a bird appeared outside and window.
Suddenly, a (some) bird appeared outside the window.
This is an interesting place.
This is an interesting place.
2. When mentioning an example
Athermometer is used for measuring temperature.
A thermometer is used to measure temperature.
3. To mention one of the class of similar things (things or people)
Lindsey is an American.
Lindsay is American.
She is a doctor.
She is a doctor.
It's a racing bike.
This is a race bike.
4. When mentioning tariffs, speeds, rates, etc
Some people can cycle at 50 km an hour.
Some people can cycle at 50 km/h.
Jane earns 1000 USD per month.
Jane earns $1,000 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 couldn't say a word.
He couldn't speak.
I haven't eaten a thing.
I haven't eaten anything.
6. For large integers, fractional parts, weights and distances
A hundred - a hundred.
Three and a half - three and a half.
A million - a million.
A kilo - kilogram.
A third - third.
A metre and a half - a meter and a half.
7. In phrases with a headache, a cold, etc
I've got a headache | an earache | a toothache.
I have a headache/ears/teeth pain.
Have you got a cold?
Did you catch a cold?
8. In expressions like What a…! Such a …
What a…! usedwhen you are surprised or impressed.
What a fantastic idea!
What a fantastic idea!
What a great car you have got!
What a great car you have!
Such a….! used for additional emphasis on singular nouns.
This is such a difficult situation!
This is such a difficult situation!
You are such a good friend!
You are such a good friend!
9. To describe one example from a number of similar
That’s a Picasso (work of art).
This is a Picasso piece.
This is a Whitney Houston song.
This is a Whitney Houston song.
10. The indefinite article is placed in descriptions
He is a good friend.
He is a good friend.
It's a wonderful day.
It's a wonderful day.
11. With abstract, real and uncountable nouns
In these cases, the indefinite article allows you to change the meaning of the word, translating it into a specific noun.
Ice - ice (an ice - a serving of ice cream).
Iron - iron (an iron - iron).
The indefinite article a/an is not used in the following cases:
1. Before adjectives without a noun after them.
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 noun determinersnouns.
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 is my friend.
In this structure "a…of mine/yours", etc., the article is used because it is stable in English.
It is worth mentioning separately the use of the indefinite article in cases that need to be memorized, as they cannot be explained by the 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 - look at.
Go for a walk - go for a walk.
Exercises for practicing the use of articles
As with any part of speech in the English language, it requires systematic practice of grammar and mandatory consolidation of the learned rules by repetition in 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 out in tasks of both test and creative nature.
Most common:
1. Choose the correct form of the article in the finished sentences with gaps.
2. Choose the correct article from the two possible ones.
3. Choose option A, B, C, D with various examples of the use of the article.
4. underlinethe necessary form of the article from the proposed ones.
5. Listen to the text and fill in the gaps with the articles by ear.
6. Find errors in the use of articles in the text and correct them for the correct options.
Each of the exercise options allows you to train writing and listening in cases of using this grammatical part. Separately, it is worth noting the assignments for writing essays (essays), suggesting a topic with the difficulties of using articles. Such exercises more fully reflect the picture of the student's knowledge. Essays allow the teacher to assess grammar skills in free text, when the student reproduces not a previously voiced task, but only the rules for using articles with nouns fixed to automatism. Knowledge of exceptions is tested in the same context.
The indefinite article is an important part of English grammar, and knowing how to use it will greatly improve your overall level. Literate speech is distinguished precisely by the knowledge of the little things, and it is they who “give out” you in the first place. The article is used equally in both oral and written speech, only in the first version it can merge with other words, and in the second you will be “in full view”. Familiarize yourself with the rules, practice the exercises, and reinforce the indefinite article in spoken English for maximum efficiency and results.
