There are three articles: 'A', 'An' and 'The'. Articles behave like adjectives as they qualify nouns.
But differences between adjective and article are obvious:
- An adjective has a degree of comparison but an article does not.
- Most adjectives can sit after predicate verbs but articles cannot.
Indefinite Article: 'A' and 'An' are called indefinite articles because they refer to any uncertain person, animal, place, or thing. They (a / an) sit before a singular uncountable noun. There is no difference between a and an as far as meaning is concerned. But there is a difference between them based on usage.
Definite Article: ‘The' is called the definite article because it specifically refers to one or more persons, places, or things. USES OF INDEFINITE ARTICLE
SECTION ONE
1. In general, we use 'a' in front of consonant and 'an' in front of vowel sound (a, e, i, o, and u)
A cat, a cow, a hen, an egg, an apple
2. If h is the initial letter and if it is pronounced, we use 'a' before it; if it remains unpronounced, we use 'an.
A horse, a historian, an honest man, an hour.
3. If the initial letter becomes vowel/vowels and if it is pronounced like u, 'a' is used before it.
A ewe, a European, a uniform, a university, a useful metal, a unique metal, a unique position.
4. We always use 'an' before a word whose initial letter is o, but 'a' before such a word combined with the word 'one'.
An open field, an open heart surgery, an opera, an orange, a one-taka note, a one-eyed man.
5. If the first letter of an abbreviation sounds like a vowel, we use ‘an' before such a word.
An M. A., an F. R. C. S., an F. C. P. S.
6. If the first letter of an abbreviation sounds like a consonant, 'a' is used.
a B. A., a B. A. G., a B. Sc.
SECTION 2
1. To indicate the whole class, singular common nouns are preceded by 'a' /'an'. This indefinite article used before a singular common noun is called generalizing 'a' / 'an'.
A dog is a faithful animal. An ant is an industrious animal.
2. To refer to person or object not specifically, we use 'a' / 'an'
He bought an ice cream. I live in a tiny room.
3. To express the meaning of the same, a certain, singular common noun is preceded by 'a'/ 'an'.
Criminals are of a (the same) character. They are a (the same) profession. There lived a (a certain) king.
4. When 'a' is used as a preposition, it is called disguised preposition.
The king went a (on) hunting.
5. When plural nouns are preceded by few, little, good many, lot of, great many, good deal,'a' is used.
There are a few apples on the table. He lived a great many years. King Solomon had a great deal of money.
6. Numerical expression such as couple, dozen, score (90), hundred, thousand, million requires indefinite article 'a'.
He earns a hundred taka a day. Z sold a dozen pens. At least a million people attended the meeting.
7. When what, how, such are used to mean exclamation and they are followed by 'a'.
Such a long queue, What a pretty girl, How nice a bird is!
8. Some expressions require 'a'/ 'an'.
In a body, in a hurry, in a nutshell, in a fix, in a temper, to take an interest.
9. If a singular common noun is preceded by quite, many, rather, but, more, not, 'a' / 'an' is used.
Gulliver's Travel is quite an interesting book. Mr. Khan is rather a gentleman. You are but a child. Not a rickshaw is seen on the road.
10. If adjectives are preceded by so, too, etc., 'a' / 'an' is used before them.
This is too serious a matter for him to overlook. Iron is so useful a metal. The horse is a faithful an animal.
11. Proper nouns used as common nouns showing comparison are preceded by 'a'/ 'an'.
Nelson Mandela is an Abraham Lincoln in his ideals. I see you are a Wordsworth.
12. When abstract nouns are used as common nouns, they are preceded by 'a' / 'an'.
Helen was a beauty.
13. If many and such are followed by a singular common noun, 'a' / 'an' is used.
Many a boy was present in the meeting.
14. A is used before Mr / Mrs / Miss.
A Mr. Rahman called at my office. A Mrs. Shamima sought his help.
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1. To indicate the whole class, singular common nouns are preceded by 'a' /'an'. This indefinite article used before a singular common noun is called generalizing 'a' / 'an'.
A dog is a faithful animal. An ant is an industrious animal.
2. To refer to person or object not specifically, we use 'a' / 'an'
He bought an ice cream. I live in a tiny room.
3. To express the meaning of the same, a certain, singular common noun is preceded by 'a'/ 'an'.
Criminals are of a (the same) character. They are a (the same) profession. There lived a (a certain) king.
4. When 'a' is used as a preposition, it is called disguised preposition.
The king went a (on) hunting.
5. When plural nouns are preceded by few, little, good many, lot of, great many, good deal,'a' is used.
There are a few apples on the table. He lived a great many years. King Solomon had a great deal of money.
6. Numerical expression such as couple, dozen, score (90), hundred, thousand, million requires indefinite article 'a'.
He earns a hundred taka a day. Z sold a dozen pens. At least a million people attended the meeting.
7. When what, how, such are used to mean exclamation and they are followed by 'a'.
Such a long queue, What a pretty girl, How nice a bird is!
8. Some expressions require 'a'/ 'an'.
In a body, in a hurry, in a nutshell, in a fix, in a temper, to take an interest.
9. If a singular common noun is preceded by quite, many, rather, but, more, not, 'a' / 'an' is used.
Gulliver's Travel is quite an interesting book. Mr. Khan is rather a gentleman. You are but a child. Not a rickshaw is seen on the road.
10. If adjectives are preceded by so, too, etc., 'a' / 'an' is used before them.
This is too serious a matter for him to overlook. Iron is so useful a metal. The horse is a faithful an animal.
11. Proper nouns used as common nouns showing comparison are preceded by 'a'/ 'an'.
Nelson Mandela is an Abraham Lincoln in his ideals. I see you are a Wordsworth.
12. When abstract nouns are used as common nouns, they are preceded by 'a' / 'an'.
Helen was a beauty.
13. If many and such are followed by a singular common noun, 'a' / 'an' is used.
Many a boy was present in the meeting.
14. A is used before Mr / Mrs / Miss.
A Mr. Rahman called at my office. A Mrs. Shamima sought his help.
SECTION THREE:
OMMISSION OF A/AN
1. 'A' / 'an' is not used before meals. But if there is an adjective before meals, 'a' / 'an' is used.
Incorrect: We have a breakfast at 7 a. m.
Correct: We have breakfast at 7 a. m.
Incorrect: We had good breakfast yesterday.
Correct: We had a good breakfast yesterday.
2. 'A' / 'an' is not used before a plural noun.
Roses are beautiful. Horses are useful.
3. Uncountable nouns—advice, information, news, baggage, luggage—are not preceded by a / an.
My teacher gave me good advice. The police failed to get the correct information regarding the matter.
4. Some uncountable nouns such as water, milk, oil, ink, hydrogen, tea, paper are also not preceded by a / an. But if they are preceded by measure words, 'a' / 'an' is used.
Give me a glass of water.
5. 'A' / 'an' is not used before an abstract noun.
Kindness is a great virtue.
OMMISSION OF A/AN
1. 'A' / 'an' is not used before meals. But if there is an adjective before meals, 'a' / 'an' is used.
Incorrect: We have a breakfast at 7 a. m.
Correct: We have breakfast at 7 a. m.
Incorrect: We had good breakfast yesterday.
Correct: We had a good breakfast yesterday.
2. 'A' / 'an' is not used before a plural noun.
Roses are beautiful. Horses are useful.
3. Uncountable nouns—advice, information, news, baggage, luggage—are not preceded by a / an.
My teacher gave me good advice. The police failed to get the correct information regarding the matter.
4. Some uncountable nouns such as water, milk, oil, ink, hydrogen, tea, paper are also not preceded by a / an. But if they are preceded by measure words, 'a' / 'an' is used.
Give me a glass of water.
5. 'A' / 'an' is not used before an abstract noun.
Kindness is a great virtue.
USE OF DEFINITE ARTICLE
SECTION ONE
1. 'The' is used to specifically refer to both singular and plural common nouns.
The boys are playing. The girl is reading.
2. The whole class of a common noun is also preceded by the.
The cow is a useful animal. The rose is a nice flower. This is also called generalizing 'The'.
Note: Instead of 'the', we can use a plural common noun.
The horse is a faithful animal. A horse is a faithful animal or Horses are faithful animals.
Note: While dealing with humankind (Man or Woman), 'the' is not used.
Incorrect: The man is mortal.
Correct: Man is mortal.
3. Generally Proper nouns don't take 'the' before them. But some proper nouns must be preceded by 'the':
Rivers, seas, gulfs, oceans, mountain ranges, holy books, newspaper, ships, trains, Airplanes, Space crafts, Famous buildings, groups of island, deserts & directions
4. To mean only one mountain, one island, one cape, or one lake, no 'the' is used.
Mountain: Mount Everest, Mount Abu; Island: Java, Ceylon, Sicily; Cape: Cape of Good Hope: Lake: Lake Baikal, Lake Sāmbhar
5. Descriptive geographical names are preceded by 'the':
Punjab is a land of five rivers. My sister got her degree from the UK. (United Kingdom). Mr. Mehedi serves in the U.A.E (United Arab Emirates).
6. Name of date is preceded by 'the':
The 10th of November; the 26th March.
7. 'The' is used before a Common Noun as an alternative to possessive Adjective. Such 'the' is called "possessive the‟:
He struck me on the (my) head. The teacher pulled the boy by the (his) ear. The baby pulled the cat by the (its) tail.
8. Name of race or community is preceded by 'the':
The English, the rich, the poor, the pious, the Muslims
9. Adjective of superlative degree is preceded by 'the':
He is the best boy in the class.
10. In case of comparison between two personals, comparative degree of an adjective is
preceded by 'the':
Nasima is the better of the two girls.
11. Some expressions used as adverbs are preceded by 'the':
The sooner, the better
12. Some nouns which indicate job or profession are preceded by 'the':
He joined the army.
13. When an ordinal number is spelled, it is preceded by 'the':
Omar II (Omar the second)
14. When an adjective indicates abstract quality, it is preceded by 'the':
People love the brave
15. Abstract noun used to mean the quality of any person or object is preceded by 'the':
The courage of Richard is known to all.
16. When common nouns and adjectives used as abstract nouns are preceded by 'the':
The mother (motherhood) rose in her. Check the beast (beastly passion) in him.
The fox (cunningness) arose in her.
17. Epithets (qualifying words) used after proper nouns are preceded by 'the':
Omar, the great, was a noble Kaliph.
18. The two persons or objects with the same qualities are compared with each other, 'the' is preceded by the noun we are comparing to.
Nazrul is the Shelly of Bangle.
19. 'The' is not used before a material noun. But 'the' is preceded by a definite material noun.
The perfume of Saudi Arabia is famous.
20. 'The' is used before renowned historical names:
The battle of Palassey is memorable in the history of Bangladesh. The Sepoy Mutiny was against the British.
21. If there is an adjective before a proper noun, this adjective is preceded by 'the':
The great Omar was the second Caliph of Islam.
22. Singular designation is preceded by „the‟.
The president, the prime Minister, the Headmaster
23. 'The' is preceded by plural family.
The Mughals, The Pathans, The Khans
24. 'The' is used before adjective / adjective phrase/adjective clause which refers to common noun specifically.
The man who came here yesterday is my friend. The man in a white dress is known to me.
25. Numerical word used as a unit is preceded by 'the'.
He sells mangoes by the hundred. The man buys eggs by the score.
Note: it is wrong to say: by the dozens, by the hundreds, by the scores
26. If there is an epithet after a proper noun, that epithet is preceded by 'the'.
Alexander the great (epithet) was a brave warrior.
27. Musical instruments are also preceded by 'the'.
He plays the piano.
28. Choir, orchestra, and the pop group are preceded by 'the'.
The Miles, The Abba.
29. When you write a letter to two or more than two unmarried sisters and greet them, this greeting is preceded by 'the'.
The misses + surname: The misses + khan.
30. 'The' is followed by some phrases.
He is on the bank of ruin. I am in the wrong.
31. 'The' is followed by some collective nouns.
The elite, the peasantry, the audience, etc.
32. Some proper nouns combined with an adjective or noun + of + Proper Noun are preceded by 'the'.
The national zoo at Mirpur, the national Science Museum, the fort of Lalbag.
SECTION TWO:
OMISSION OF ARTICLE
1. 'The' is not followed by the name of a renowned book preceded by the author's name.
But, 'the' is used if there is no author's name.
The Agnibina of Nazrul or Nazrul's Agnibina.
2. For the primary purpose, some words such as bed, mosque, church, hospital, prison, school, college, university, the court are not preceded by 'the'.
After I leave school, I want to go to college (as a student). Mr. Rahim is in prison for murder (as a prisoner). Mr. Karim goes to Mosque on Friday (normally a Muslim goes to a mosque)
Note: But, for a special purpose, 'the' is used before them.
Mr. Khan went to the school to meet his son's teacher (not as a pupil). Mr. Rahim went to the prison to see Karim (as a visitor, not as a prisoner).
3. If there is no descriptive word or phrase before home, 'the' is not used before home.
We went home. He is at home.
Note: If the home is preceded by a descriptive word or phrase, 'the' is used before them.
We arrived at the bird's home. for some four or five years this was the home for the queen.
4. 'The' may or may not be used before the name of seasons.
The rain has set in. It dews in winter.
5. Name of road, avenue, squire, park is not preceded by 'the'. In the morning I go to Bahadurshah park. He bought a shop in park street.
Note: But, if these names are followed by the word road, 'the' is used before them.
He bought a shop on the Mirpur Road.
6. In general, Proper, Abstract, Material, and Plural common nouns are not preceded by 'the'.
Dhaka is a populous city. Forgiveness is a great virtue. Iron is a useful metal.
Cows give us milk.
Note: But, if a plural common noun is used definitely, 'the' is used before them.
The women in the hall are all in red share. The flowers in his garden (not flowers in general) are fine.
Note: Proper Noun preceded by any word which shows status is preceded by 'the'.
The poet Nazrul is our pride. The caliph Omar was a great ruler.
Note: 'The' is preceded by such abstract noun pointing not to any quality but a person having such quality or pointing to nature of such quality.
Nazrul is the glory of Bangladesh. the crimes committed by the rulers are unpardonable.
7. Article is not used before proper noun preceded by a common noun in the form of an adjective.
Principal Jalaluddin was a man of strict principles.
8. When a pronominal adjective or numerical adjective qualifies any Common Noun, 'the' is not followed by such Common Noun.
This is my book. Each boy has a separate room.
9. Common Noun used as a nominative case of address is not preceded by 'the'.
Boys, you are the future leaders of the country.
10. Common Nouns showing rank or profession used as apposition of Proper Noun is not preceded by 'the'.
Dr. Anamul Haque, Vice-Chancellor of Jahangir Nagar University, was a scholar.
11. Name of language does not follow 'the'.
English is an international language.
Note: If the word language is used after the name of a language, 'the' is followed by the name of that language.
The English language is very interesting to learn.
12. Name of day or month is not preceded by 'the'.
13. 'The' is not followed by the name of a disease.
Cholera has broken out in the village.
14. Name of the lake is not preceded by 'the'.
Lake Superior, Lake Baikal, Lake Caspian.
15. Complement of factitive verbs such as nominate, elect, select, make, appoint, crown,
choose, etc. is not preceded by an article.
We made him chairman. They elected me captain.
Note: If the complement is pointed specifically, 'the' is used.
We made him the captain of the team.
16. Name of God or Allah is not preceded by the article 'the'.
Allah has created this earth.
17. 'The' is not followed by organs of our body or clothes because they are possessive adjectives.
Raise your left hand. He took off his shirt.
18. Name of games is not preceded by 'the'.
He plays football.
19. If there is a noun after possessive case, 'the' is not used.
20. Transportations used for tourism and paths of the voyage are not preceded by 'the'.
By bus, by sea, by water, by river, etc.
21. Article is not followed by some singular nouns used in a phrase.
Learn by heart, take offense, etc.
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OMISSION OF ARTICLE
1. 'The' is not followed by the name of a renowned book preceded by the author's name.
But, 'the' is used if there is no author's name.
The Agnibina of Nazrul or Nazrul's Agnibina.
2. For the primary purpose, some words such as bed, mosque, church, hospital, prison, school, college, university, the court are not preceded by 'the'.
After I leave school, I want to go to college (as a student). Mr. Rahim is in prison for murder (as a prisoner). Mr. Karim goes to Mosque on Friday (normally a Muslim goes to a mosque)
Note: But, for a special purpose, 'the' is used before them.
Mr. Khan went to the school to meet his son's teacher (not as a pupil). Mr. Rahim went to the prison to see Karim (as a visitor, not as a prisoner).
3. If there is no descriptive word or phrase before home, 'the' is not used before home.
We went home. He is at home.
Note: If the home is preceded by a descriptive word or phrase, 'the' is used before them.
We arrived at the bird's home. for some four or five years this was the home for the queen.
4. 'The' may or may not be used before the name of seasons.
The rain has set in. It dews in winter.
5. Name of road, avenue, squire, park is not preceded by 'the'. In the morning I go to Bahadurshah park. He bought a shop in park street.
Note: But, if these names are followed by the word road, 'the' is used before them.
He bought a shop on the Mirpur Road.
6. In general, Proper, Abstract, Material, and Plural common nouns are not preceded by 'the'.
Dhaka is a populous city. Forgiveness is a great virtue. Iron is a useful metal.
Cows give us milk.
Note: But, if a plural common noun is used definitely, 'the' is used before them.
The women in the hall are all in red share. The flowers in his garden (not flowers in general) are fine.
Note: Proper Noun preceded by any word which shows status is preceded by 'the'.
The poet Nazrul is our pride. The caliph Omar was a great ruler.
Note: 'The' is preceded by such abstract noun pointing not to any quality but a person having such quality or pointing to nature of such quality.
Nazrul is the glory of Bangladesh. the crimes committed by the rulers are unpardonable.
7. Article is not used before proper noun preceded by a common noun in the form of an adjective.
Principal Jalaluddin was a man of strict principles.
8. When a pronominal adjective or numerical adjective qualifies any Common Noun, 'the' is not followed by such Common Noun.
This is my book. Each boy has a separate room.
9. Common Noun used as a nominative case of address is not preceded by 'the'.
Boys, you are the future leaders of the country.
10. Common Nouns showing rank or profession used as apposition of Proper Noun is not preceded by 'the'.
Dr. Anamul Haque, Vice-Chancellor of Jahangir Nagar University, was a scholar.
11. Name of language does not follow 'the'.
English is an international language.
Note: If the word language is used after the name of a language, 'the' is followed by the name of that language.
The English language is very interesting to learn.
12. Name of day or month is not preceded by 'the'.
13. 'The' is not followed by the name of a disease.
Cholera has broken out in the village.
14. Name of the lake is not preceded by 'the'.
Lake Superior, Lake Baikal, Lake Caspian.
15. Complement of factitive verbs such as nominate, elect, select, make, appoint, crown,
choose, etc. is not preceded by an article.
We made him chairman. They elected me captain.
Note: If the complement is pointed specifically, 'the' is used.
We made him the captain of the team.
16. Name of God or Allah is not preceded by the article 'the'.
Allah has created this earth.
17. 'The' is not followed by organs of our body or clothes because they are possessive adjectives.
Raise your left hand. He took off his shirt.
18. Name of games is not preceded by 'the'.
He plays football.
19. If there is a noun after possessive case, 'the' is not used.
20. Transportations used for tourism and paths of the voyage are not preceded by 'the'.
By bus, by sea, by water, by river, etc.
21. Article is not followed by some singular nouns used in a phrase.
Learn by heart, take offense, etc.
SECTION THREE:
REPETITION OF ARTICLE
1. If two or more adjectives qualify the same noun, the article is used before the first noun.
He has a red and white horse.
Note: If two or more adjectives qualify two or more nouns, each noun is preceded by a / an.
I have a red horse and a white house.
2. If two nouns are joined by and point to the same person or object, 'the' is followed by the first noun.
The headmaster and secretary is present at the meeting.
Note: If they point to a separate person or object, each person or object is preceded by 'the'.
The headmaster and the secretary are present at the meeting.
3. If there are two or more adjectives before a singular noun, each one is preceded by
'the'. But if the noun is plural, the only first one is preceded by 'the'.
I have read the fourth and the fifth chapter of the book.
4. Sometimes usage of articles may change the meaning. For example, 'few' means almost nothing, 'a few' means some amount and 'the few' means very minimal amount but the total amount.
I have few books. I have a few books. I have the few books.
5. 'Little' means almost nothing, 'a little' means some amount, and 'the little' means very minimal amount but the total amount.
I have little rice. I have a little rice. I have the little rice.
6. To mean comparison if two nouns point to the same noun, the first noun is preceded by an article.
She is a better singer than a dancer (same person).
Note: But if they point to a different person, each noun is preceded by an article.
She is a better singer than a dancer (a different person).
REPETITION OF ARTICLE
1. If two or more adjectives qualify the same noun, the article is used before the first noun.
He has a red and white horse.
Note: If two or more adjectives qualify two or more nouns, each noun is preceded by a / an.
I have a red horse and a white house.
2. If two nouns are joined by and point to the same person or object, 'the' is followed by the first noun.
The headmaster and secretary is present at the meeting.
Note: If they point to a separate person or object, each person or object is preceded by 'the'.
The headmaster and the secretary are present at the meeting.
3. If there are two or more adjectives before a singular noun, each one is preceded by
'the'. But if the noun is plural, the only first one is preceded by 'the'.
I have read the fourth and the fifth chapter of the book.
4. Sometimes usage of articles may change the meaning. For example, 'few' means almost nothing, 'a few' means some amount and 'the few' means very minimal amount but the total amount.
I have few books. I have a few books. I have the few books.
5. 'Little' means almost nothing, 'a little' means some amount, and 'the little' means very minimal amount but the total amount.
I have little rice. I have a little rice. I have the little rice.
6. To mean comparison if two nouns point to the same noun, the first noun is preceded by an article.
She is a better singer than a dancer (same person).
Note: But if they point to a different person, each noun is preceded by an article.
She is a better singer than a dancer (a different person).
Connectors Active & Passive Voice
Right Forms of Verb Subject-Verb-agreement
Degree of Comparison SENTENCE CONNECTORS
TENSES Various Types of Sentence
OBJECT AND COMPLEMENT Sentence Structure
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ARUP ROY
WORKING AS A LECTURER,
DEPARTMENT. OF ENGLISH
AT A UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF IELD
FORMER LECTURER OF STAMFORD COLLEGE
& DHAKA PUBLIC COLLEGE
WORKED AS A MEMBER SECRETARY
AT STAMFORD ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLUB UTTARA