Lesson 8 – Step 3 – Articles

Goal

It’s time to learn about the definite and indefinite articles. You can watch the video or go straight to the written explanation. You decide!

Once you’ve finished, you can move to step 4.

General notions

Articles are used before nouns or noun equivalents and are a type of adjective. 

Definite article

1. At the start of the pandemic, Jean died of cancer.
2. to ensure wider access to the internet
3. and the Leeds branch of Age UK
4. For the eldest 

We use The 

• when we talk about something we’ve already mentioned or when it’s clear what we are talking about (1)
• When there is only one of something (2)
• With places (3)
• With superlatives (4)

Indefinite article

1. I’ve got in touch with a cousin of mine.
2. He is an accountant.
3. What a useful device!
4. I used it twice a week.

We use A  with singular countable nouns

• When we mention something from the first time (1)
• When we mention what something is or someone does (2)
• in exclamations with What… (3)
• In expressions of frequency (4)

Zero article

Sometimes no articles at all is needed

1. Jean died of –cancer.
2. Without leaving –home
3. He chats online on –Saturdays.
4. Next –time, I’ll call him.

We use no article  

• When we are speaking in general, (1)
• With some nouns (2)  school, work, church, home,  after to, from
• Before meals, days, and months… (3)
• Before next, last … (4)

Conclusion

Ready? Terrific! Let’s move on to step 4 to practise what you’ve learnt in this step.