Grammar Lesson One

By LAWRENCE CHITERI
Published September 17, 2009

Articles

By definition, the Adjectives The and A/An, are called Articles. There are only two articles;

1. The – which is also referred to as The Definite Article and
2. A/An – also referred to as the Indefinite Article

The definite Article

1. The Definite article will usually be used to refer to a particular person, thing or place, for example;
   1. The boy came in through the window. (Meaning a particular boy is referred to).
   2. I lost the book you gave me. (Referring to a particular book).
   3. Father promised to take us to the school. (Referring to a particular school).
2. The definite article can also be used both before common nouns, singular number; as well as common nouns, plural number, for example;
   1. The boy (singular number) – The boys (plural number).
   2. The book (singular number) – the books (plural number).
   3. The school (singular number) – The books (plural number).
3. The definite article can also be used when a common noun is meant to represent a whole class; like
   1. The cat is a very resilient animal.
   2. The cow is a very useful animal.

The Indefinite Article

1. The indefinite article is usually used when any person, thing, or place is referred to, for example;
   1. Please give me a pen. (Meaning any pen).
   2. An elephant overturned the car. (Meaning any elephant).
   3. The indefinite article can only be used before common nouns, singular number; for example
      1. A pen – singular number (cannot become- A pens).
      2. An Elephant – singular number (cannot become- An elephants).
   4. The choice between a/an is usually dictated by sound. Therefore before a noun beginning with a consonant letter, or sound, a is used, for example
      1. They gave the prize to a Girl. (Notice the consonant letter- G).
      2. Father promised to buy me a car. (Notice the consonant letter -C).
      3. Peter is a University student. (Notice that the word university begins with the vowel -U but is not accented, making it begin with a consonant sound, therefore –a is used).
   5. Before a noun beginning with a vowel letter, or sound – an is used, for example;
      1. Susan will buy an orange today. (Notice the vowel letter- O).
      2. His death marked the end of an era. (Notice the vowel letter-E).
      3. Sylvester promised to be home in an hour. (Notice that the word hour begins with the consonant-H, but is not accented, making the vowel sound-O determine the pronunciation).
   6. Some words beginning with the consonant letter, but are accentuated by the sound are; an Heir, an Honest child, and an History book.
   7. Take note that common nouns used to reflect a general perspective, do not require any article. For example; Man is mortal. (Because man here is not necessarily refereed to as the male species but in the general sense)

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   Reach Lawrence Chiteri at lchiteri@eafricainfocus.com

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