1. By: Emily Mayo
Yesenia Cardenas
Carmen Mendoza

2. TOPIC 6
Definite & Indefinite
articles

3. Objective
Show you the written form of the definite
and indefinite articles, how to use them,
and their pronunciations

4. “A” and “AN” are called indefinite articles, or not
specific articles.
We use them, when we are talking about a thing
in general, but NOT a specific thing
•I need A car. Not a specific car, any car
•Mia wants a doll. Not a particular doll, a doll in general
•Do you have A pen? Not a particular pen, any pen

5. We use A(AN) when we are talking about a
thing which is new. Also use A(AN) when you
are asking about the existence of something
•I have A computer. The computer is being introduced for
the first time.
•Tom is AN engineer. This is new information to the
listener.
•Is there A dictionary in your backpack? Asking about the
existence of the dictionary

6. We use A(AN) to introduce what
type of thing we are talking about.
•That is an excellent movie. Describing the kind
of movie
•Do you live in a big city? Asking about the kind
of city
•I ate a thick, juicy steak. Describing the kind of
steak

7. Note: We use “AN” before a thing or an adjective
which starts with a vowel. And “A” before a thing or
an adjective which starts with a consonant.
REMEMBER: You cannot use A(AN) with plural nouns
because A(AN) means "one" or "a single".

8. THE is called a definite article. "Definite" means "specific".
Use THE when talking about something which is already
known to the listener.
•I have a cat. The cat is black.
•There is a book in my backpack. The book is very heavy.
•Nobody lives on the Moon.
IMPORTANT: You can use THE with both
singular nouns and plural nouns.

9. www.tesol-direct.com/tesol-resources/english-
grammar-guide/definite-and-indefinite-articles/
http://www.englishpage.com/articles/a-an-vs-
the.htm