Each language has its own distinctive features, which can be difficult for learners. In English, one of such stumbling blocks is the use of the article, which is not in Russian. In this case, the task does not seem very difficult if you learn the basic rules, exceptions, and provide a systematic practice with consolidating the knowledge gained. The 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: the definite and indefinite article, as well as the zero article (its complete absence). For each, there are rules and exceptions to use. Knowing the most common examples will already be the first step towards progress in learning a language.
The indefinite article in English is used only with a noun in the singular, as it is derived from the numeral "one". He gives the concept of an object as a representative of a particular class or gender. The indefinite article also has the equivalent determinants of some, any and one (one, any, one). It is not used with the plural of nouns, and this is one of the most common mistakes made by novice students.
In the Russian language, the indefinite article has a number of equivalents: each, everyone, any, one, any, any.
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 of “a,” and is used with a noun beginning with a vowel.
Before words beginning with a consonant, a.
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 cases of use, which should be familiar to all learners of English. Among them are the following:
1. At the first mention
The indefinite article a / an is used before a noun that names an object, but does not distinguish it specifically from a certain kind of objects.
Suddenly a bird appeared outside a window.
Suddenly (some) 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 temperature.
3. To mention something of one of a class like (things or people)
Lindsey is an American.
Lindsay is an American.
She is a doctor.
She is a doctor.
It's a racing bike.
This is a racing bike.
4. When mentioning tariffs, speeds, 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 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? May I have an apple?
He couldn't say a word.
He could not utter a word.
I haven't eaten a thing.
I didn’t eat anything.
6. For large integers, fractional parts, weight and distance
A hundred - a hundred.
Three and a half - three and a half.
A million - a million.
A kilo - kilogram.
A third is the third.
A meter and a half - meter and a half.
7. In phrases with a headache, a cold, etc.
I've got a headache | an earache | a toothache.
My head / ears / teeth hurt.
Have you got a cold?
Have you caught a cold?
8. In expressions like What a ...! Such a ...!
What a ...! It is used in cases when 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 ...! used to further emphasize 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 work of Picasso.
This is a Whitney Houston song.
This is a Whitney Houston song.
10. The indefinite article is placed in the descriptions
He is a good friend.
He's a good friend.
It's a wonderful day.
It is a wonderful day.
11. With abstract, material 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 portion of ice cream).
Iron - iron (an iron - iron).
The indefinite article a / an is not used in the following cases:
1. Before adjectives, after which there is no noun.
It's a bad day. It's bad.
This is a bad day. Poorly.
2. The indefinite article a / an is not used before possessive pronouns, which are also identifiers 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 is my friend.
In this structure, “a ... of mine / yours”, etc., the article is used, since it is stable in the English language.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the use of the indefinite article in cases that need to be learned from memory, since they cannot be explained by the rules:
Twice a day - twice a day.
A few are few.
A little - a little.
In a hurry - in a hurry.
For a long time - for a long time.
Have a look at - take a 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, a systematic practice of grammar and the obligatory consolidation of learned rules by repeating in oral and written form are required. 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.
The most common:
1. Choose the correct article form in the ready-made sentences with passes.
2. Select the correct article option from two possible.
3. Select option A, B, C, D with various examples of article usage.
4. Underline the required article form from those proposed.
5. Listen to the text and fill in the blanks with articles by ear.
6. Find errors in the use of articles in the text and correct for the correct options.
Each of the options for exercises allows you to train written speech and listening to cases of use of this grammatical part. Separately, it is worth noting essay assignments, suggesting a topic with the difficulties of using articles. Such exercises more fully reflect the student’s knowledge. Compositions allow the teacher to evaluate grammar skills in free text, when the student reproduces not a previously voiced task, but only rules of using articles with nouns fixed to automatism. Knowledge of exceptions is checked in the same context.
The indefinite article is an important component of the English grammar, and knowledge of the rules for its use will significantly improve the general level. Literate speech is distinguished precisely by the knowledge of small things, and it is they who “betray” you in the first place. The article is equally used 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 fix the indefinite article in spoken English for maximum efficiency and results.