three rules for using a, an and the
TRANSCRIPT
Three RulesWhen to use a, an or the
Part 1
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BEFORE YOU BEGIN
1. The word the is used before a noun with a specific meaning.
2. The word a or an is used before a noun with a general meaning.
3. For a noun with a general meaning, the plural form can be used instead of a or an.
the = specific meaning
The boy in the picture is smiling. However, the boys in the left corner are angry.
a or an = general meaning
A boy is a young male human being. Any young male human is a boy.
Plural = general meaning
In many societies around the world, boys are expected not to cry when they become men or when they are considered as adults.
a, an, plural = general meaning
A boy is a young male human being. In my society, only boys cry. A man who cries is considered weak. Men who are strong are never seen to cry in public.
the = specific meaning
In my society, only girls and boys cry. However, boys that never cry are considered strong. The boy who cries is considered to be like a girl.
a, an, plural = general meaning
In my society, only girls and boys cry. However, a boy who never cries is considered strong. Boys who cry are considered to be like a girl.
ONE MORE TIME
1. The word the is used before a noun with a specific meaning.
2. The word a or an is used before a noun with a general meaning.
3. For a noun with a general meaning, the plural form can be used instead of a or an.
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Three RulesHow to use a,
an or the
SUMMARY
1. When mentioning a noun for the first time, use a or an. At next mention (2nd, 3rd, etc. time), use the.
2. When a noun is described specifically, use the.
3. When you and your receiver know the noun you are talking about, use the.
RULE 1
RULE 1
When mentioning a noun for the first time, use a or an. At next mention (2nd, 3rd, etc. time), use the.
1ST MENTION
2ND MENTION
1ST MENTION
1ST MENTION
2ND MENTION
2ND MENTION
1ST MENTION
2ND MENTION
Mothers can follow five steps in a visual poster that shows how to create a cold lotion.
Since the poster is for illiterate mothers, pictures can show how the cold lotion looks like.
RULE 2
RULE 2
When a noun is described specifically or has one specific meaning, use the.
we use the when there is only one of
something
RULE 2
I’m the leader of this group.
RULE 2
You could be the next winner of our
singing competition.
RULE 2
Control of insect bites among the
AiU student population.
RULE 2
Use of the Divine Command Principle to Lessen Plagiarism
RULE 2
RULE 3
RULE 3
When you and your receiver (listener, reader or audience) know what you are talking about, use the.
May I turn on the TV?
RULE 3
Where’s Mary?She’s in the
kitchen.
RULE 3
however, there are some special uses
of a/an and the
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4 ExceptionsTO THE THREE RULES
we use the with musical instruments
EXCEPTION 1
I play the guitar.
Jane plays the violin.
EXCEPTION 1
BUT...
a or an = general meaning
I can play a guitar = I can play any guitar.
Jane can play a piano = She can play any piano.
we use a or an with prices,
frequency and speeds
EXCEPTION 2
pricesIt costs 2 dollars a
liter
EXCEPTION 2
frequency
I drink about three bottles of water a day
EXCEPTION 2
speeds
You’re traveling at ninety miles an hour
EXCEPTION 2
we use a or an before hundred, thousand, and
million
EXCEPTION 3
a hundred peoplea thousand days
EXCEPTION 3
we use a or an for talking about
jobs, occupations or careers
EXCEPTION 4
I’m a bank manager
EXCEPTION 4
BUT...
BACK TO RULE 2
RULE 2
When a noun is described specifically or has one specific meaning, use the.
we use the when there is only one of
something
RULE 2
I’m a bank manager
EXCEPTION 4
I’m the bank manager here.
RULE 2
That’s it.
Let’s summarize:
Use a or an with • hundred, thousand, million• jobs, occupations, careers
ONE MORE TIME
Use the with •musical instruments•prices• speeds• frequency• speeds
ONE MORE TIME
and ... ONE MORE TIME
Nouns with specific meanings• Use the before the noun.
and ... ONE MORE TIME
Nouns with general meanings• Use a or an before the noun, or• Use the plural form.
Use a or an•When mentioning a noun
the first time.
and ... THE LAST ONE
Use the •At next mention of the noun•When a noun is described
specifically•When you and your audience
know the noun you are talking about
and ... THE LAST ONE
Coe, N., Harrison, M. And Paterson K. (2006). Basic with Answers. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
Reference