1. TDC 1
ANDRÉA AND DIOGO

2. Articles
• Articles are a very problematic topic because
some languages either differ in usage
(French, German and Spanish) or have no
articles at all (Chinese, Japanese and Russian).
• Most English speakers recognize three articles:
indefinites, definites and ‘no article’.

3. Articles
• “The terms definite and indefinite designate meanings associated
with the noun that an article precedes.
• Definite implies that a noun is 'specifically identifiable.' The use of
the definite article, the, therefore, presupposes that the speaker
and the listener can identify the noun that follows it. . .
• Indefinite means ‘identifiable in general.’ The indefinite
article, a/an, occurs when the listener is not expected to be able
to identify the object specifically. The listener may know the
concept represented by the noun, but that is all.”
(Ron Cowan, The Teacher's Grammar of English: A Course Book and
Reference Guide . Cambridge Univ. Press, 2008)

4. Indefinite Articles
• Indefinite articles – a and an – are used only before
singular count nouns which are not specific and are
being mentioned for the first time.
• A raven is a medium-sized black bird.
• A tablet serves many purposes.
• An igloo is a dwelling that is made of ice.

5. Definite Article
• The definite article ‘the’ can be used in at least 8
situations:
• 1. When talking about specific: I have an umbrella. /
I liked the umbrella on the shelf.
• 2. When the listener and speaker are talking abiut
the same thing: Every bedroom has a mattress. /
I’m going to buy the mattress we were talking about
the other day.

6. Definite Article
• 3. Second and following references to the same
noun: Andréa and I had luch at a good restaurant
last Friday. The restaurant is at 405 sul.
• 4. Superlative forms, with most or –est/iest suffix:
Molejo is the best band in the world.
• 5. Countries that look plural, ending in –s or have
united, union, kingdom or republic: the United
States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the
Republic of Angola.

7. Definite Article
• 6. Parts of something (exception for body parts): I
went to my friend’s new apartament last Friday. His
living room is awesome. The sofa is huge, the TV is
wall-sized and the bar has all kinds beverages.
• 7. Bodies of water, except individual lakes: the
Mississippi River, the Antlatic Ocean.
• 8. Geographic parts and areas of the globe: the
equator, the Middle East.

8. No Articles
• There are a few situations in which English we
do not use articles.
• Problem: In other languages the use of “the”
is required and this causes a common ELL
error: the overuse of “the”.

9. No Articles
• Rule 1: To talk about a category or group in
general.
General: Dogs can be a good company.
Specific: The dogs in that house are
dangerous.

10. No Articles
• Rule 2: No article before abstract nouns such
as feelings or ideas.
The love is beautiful. (Wrong)
Love is beautiful. (Correct)

11. What ELLs Should Know
• Do not use singular count nouns without na
article (or other determiner)
• Do not use the article “a” with a noun that
begins with a vowel sound.
• Do not use “the” with a plural count noun that
refers to a whole category.
• Do not use “the” with abstract nouns or ideas.
* These are the most common ELLs mistakes

12. Articles: Ideas For Teaching
• It is important for the teacher to know how
articles are used within the native language of
the Ss.

13. Articles: Ideas For Teaching
• Beginning level:
– Separate lessons on each of the usages.
– When teaching singular count nouns , use the
articles “a” or “an”.
– “the” is used for specific usages.
– ”the” or no article for Geographical terms.
– No articles for general meaning.

14. Articles: Ideas For Teaching
• Intermediate level:
– Focus on the use of the definite article or the no
article rules.
– Common mistake is the overuse of “the”.

15. Articles: Ideas For Teaching
• Advanced Level:
– Here the focus is on individual expressions or
idioms
– Example: Once upon a time.