Articles

Use of Articles
common noun or noun phrase

Countable Uncountable

Singular Plural the zero (Ø)

(specific) (generic)

a/an the the Ø

(non-specific) (specific)

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Articles

 Are used with certain categories of proper

nouns
 Are used with common nouns or noun
phrases
 Consist of the indefinite article (a/an) and
the definite article (the)
 Are absent in non-specific cases and are
indicated by the Ø (zero article)

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 Rules for Using Articles
 These categories of proper nouns do not require “the”

Categories Examples
People’s names John Locke
Cities and states Bangkok, Negri Sembilan
Singular names of countries Indonesia, Australia
Months/days May, Tuesday
Streets Pickering Street, Holland Road
Religious buildings St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Mountains Mount Fuji
Parks Hyde Park
Lakes Lake Victoria

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 Rules for Using Articles
 The proper nouns below require “the”.
Categories
Museums and galleries
Buildings
Highways
Seas and oceans
Rivers and deserts
Periods and events in history
Bridges
Countries with United, Union,
Kingdom, Republic
Island groups ending in (e)s
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Examples
the Asian Civilization Museum
the University Cultural Centre
the Pan-Island Expressway
the South China Sea
the Mississippi, the Gobi desert
the Dark Ages
the Manhattan Bridge
the United States, the People’s
Republic of China
the Philippines
Rules for Using Articles

 Depend on generic or specific reference

Comment on the use of the articles in the sentences below.

A paper on global warming was presented at a

conference.
The paper on global warming was presented at the
conference.

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Specific Reference

 Is recognizable by both the writer and the

reader through shared knowledge.

The sun rises in the east. (Fact)

The lab report should be submitted today. (Both the
writer and the reader know which lab report is
being referred to.)

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Specific Reference

 Is used after a general reference is made.

EG1471 students are required to write an

essay in the semester. The essay will be
revised a few times.

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Specific Reference

 Is used when the noun has been modified

by an adjectival phrase or clause.

The portfolios that students have to prepare

consist of different assignments.

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Nonspecific and Generic References

 Happen when neither the writer nor the

reader identify the noun as something
known, unique or familiar.

Ø University students receive Ø tuition

grants for their studies.

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Nonspecific and Generic Reference

 Use a/an with a singular countable noun

that is non-specific.

An engineering textbook was left at the

counter.
A lecturer gave the freshmen an overview of
the course.

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Use of A and An
 Depends on

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Nonspecific and Generic Reference

 Do not use an article when a plural

countable noun is non-specific.

Ø Graduates are held in high esteem by Ø

employers.

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Nonspecific and Generic Reference

 Do not use an article when an uncountable

noun is non-specific.

The internet is a rich resource of Ø

information.

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Nonspecific and Generic Reference

 Do not use an article when a generalization

is made about an uncountable noun.

Ø Water is scarce in many countries.

Ø Oil is a finite resource.

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Abstract Generic vs. Concrete Generic
Abstract Generic: The Entire Concrete Generic: A
Class Representative Class

The wasp can detect unique A wasp can be trained to detect

volatile compounds over great odors.
distances.

The laser has many uses in A laser can be used by a surgeon

medicine. to make very clean cuts.

The computer has been invaluable Computers are playing a growing

in scientific advancement. role in all aspects of university life

Source: Swales & Feak (2009), 299.

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Superlatives, Ordinals and Sole
References
 The definite article “the” is always used with
the above categories.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.

(superlative)

Statistics is the second most difficult subject. (ordinal)

The main (only/sole/chief) reason I do engineering is to

contribute to mankind. (sole reference)

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Sources
Lane, A. and Lange, E. (1999). Writing Clearly: An Editing
Guide (2nd ed.). Boston: Heinle and Heinle Publishers,
198-209.
Raimes, A. (2006). Grammar Troublespots: A Guide for
Student Writers (3rd ed.). New York: Cambridge
University Press, 98-105.
Swales, J.M. and Feak, C.B. (2009). Academic Writing for
Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills (2nd ed.).
USA: The University of Michigan Press, 289-301.

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