Essential Language Skills
Core grammar and usage for effective English writing
Definite and Indefinite Articles
Because articles in English are troublesome for many learners, it is useful to review their use carefully.
The Indefinite Article: a / an
The most common use of the indefinite article a (or an before a vowel sound) is to signal an unspecified item. Example: "She wants a car." The noun car is indefinite — it is not specific.
The Definite Article: the
The definite article the signals a specific or particular person, place, or thing. Nouns can be made specific in several ways:
- The noun has been identified in a previous sentence.
- The noun has a modifying phrase or clause that identifies it as specific.
- The situation identifies the noun (both writer and reader know the item).
Exercise: Fill in the blank with a, an, or the (or 0 if none needed)
- ______ life brings many strange events.
- ______ food is necessary for survival.
- ______ food we had at the restaurant was excellent.
- ______ fascinating place to visit is Samoa.
- ______ people who do not eat meat are generally healthy.
- ______ extended example is often called ______ illustration.
Articles with Quantifiers
The following quantifiers indicate a number or amount:
| With Plural Count | With Non-Count | With Singular Count |
|---|---|---|
| few (students) | little (money) | one (student) |
| a few | a little | each |
| several | some | every |
| some | much | neither/either |
| many | any | no |
| most | no | all |
| both | ||
| two, three, etc. |
Note: Few and little have a negative meaning. A few and a little have a positive meaning.
Participles as Adjectives
Adjectives such as beautiful, tall, and soft are necessary in effective writing because they give specific, vivid detail. Two other kinds of adjectives that are useful but often misused are participles used as adjectives.
Present Participle (-ing)
Describes the cause of a feeling or state. Example: "The boring lecture put students to sleep."
Past Participle (-ed)
Describes the person or thing experiencing the feeling. Example: "The bored students fell asleep."