Page 26 - Speak En Around Twon_Neat

� Language Lens: Articles
.

English has two types of articles: definite (the) and in­
(a, an).

a/an to refer to something general or any member of a_

&·"-t'•
=> Use the to refer to something specific or a particular member
of a group. When I say specific, I mean something that is known

to both the speaker and the listener.

Compare these two examples from the dialogue:
1. I'm shopping for a used car. (Which used car? The speaker is

not being specific).
2. The car is still available. (Both the speaker and the listener
know which car. We're talking about a specific car now).

When to use the article "a" or "an":

1) Use "a/an" to refer to any member of a group.
Examples:

• I need a bike. (Any bike - it's not important which one).
• If you don't want to be alone, get a dog. (Any dog - it doesn't
matter which one).

2) Use "a/an" to describe a person's job, what something is used
for, or what type of thing something or somebody is.
Examples:

• Julia is a lawyer.
• This car is a two-door.
• She's a nice person.

3) Use "a/an" to speak about the general properties of somebody
or something.
Examples:
• An infant requires a lot of attention.

• An unpaid parking ticket.can lead to many problems.
• A beagle is a friendly dog.

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