A, An or The?
Understanding ArticlesDefinite
Article: the
The definite article the is used when referring to a particular member
of a group. The is acceptable before both singular and plural nouns.
The rules are
- Specific nouns are preceded by the.
Examples: The pizza I ate
last night gave me an upset stomach. (specific
pizza)
The errors in the article were
minor. (specific errors)
- Nouns that refer to something unique are preceded by the.
Examples:
the laws of gravity
the White House
the Department of Transportation
Note: When a noun refers to a particular class or group, or a specific member of a class or group, the can be used to modify both correctly.
Example 1:
Erik Erikson studied the development and growth of the human being.
In this case we are referring to the class of human beings.
Example 2:
She is the only human being that I know who eats pickles with ice
cream.
In this case we are referring to she, who is the only human being,
rather than a class.
Continue to Exceptions: No Articles
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