Page 128 - Grammar for Great Writing B

Common Uses

9.2 Using Indefinite Articles

The indefinite articles a and an occur before singular count nouns. Use them:

1. to introduce something for the first time A law to protect endangered species was passed
in 1973. The law protected both plants and
animals.

2. to define or classify something An artery is a blood vessel that carries blood away
from the heart.

3. to refer to one member of a group The fur of a polar bear is thicker than any other
• The statement is true of all members of the group. bear’s fur.

9.3 Using the Definite Article

The definite article the occurs before singular and plural count nouns and with noncount nouns.
Use it:

1. to refer to something that is unique During a solar eclipse, the sky becomes so dark
that some stars become visible.

2. to refer to something introduced earlier A law to protect endangered species was passed
in 1973. The law protected both plants and
animals.

3. to refer to knowledge that is familiar to or Most people are opposed to the new tax law.
shared by the reader

4. to refer to the members of a group or to the The giant panda is endangered despite efforts to
entire class or category preserve its natural habitat.
• The statement is true of all members of the group.

5. to refer to a specific person or thing The money for the class trip to the nation’s capital
• The person or thing is often identified in a was raised by several charities.
prepositional phrase or adjective clause.

The athlete that fans respected most was modest
about his accomplishments.

6. to show rankings, especially with The best way to prevent heart disease is through
superlatives a good diet and physical exercise.

118 Unit 9 Writing with Articles

Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. WCN 02-200-203
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