Articles

Use of Articles
common noun or noun phrase

Uncountable

Countable

Singular

a/an
(nonspecific)

the
the
(specific)

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Plural

the
(specific)

(zero article)

(generic)

Articles

Are only used with certain categories of

proper nouns
Are commonly used with common nouns or
noun phrases
Consist of the nonspecific articles (a/an) and
the specific article (the)
Are absent in nonspecific cases and are
indicated by (empty or zero article)
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Rules for Using Articles

These categories of proper nouns do not require the

Categories
Peoples names
Cities and states
Singular names of countries
Months/days
Streets
Religious buildings
Mountains
Parks
Lakes

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Examples
John Locke
Bangkok, Negri Sembilan
Indonesia, Australia
May, Tuesday
Pickering Street, Holland Road
St. Andrews Cathedral
Mount Fuji
Hyde Park
Lake Victoria

Rules for Using Articles

The proper nouns below require the.

Categories
Museums and galleries
Buildings
Highways
Seas and Oceans
Rivers / deserts
Periods and events in history
Bridges
Countries with united, union,
kingdom, republic

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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 Philippines, the United States, the
Peoples Republic of China

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
referred to here.)

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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 Reference

Happen when both the writer and the reader

do not identify the noun as something
known, unique or familiar.
University students receive tuition grants for
their studies.

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Nonspecific and Generic Reference

Use a/an with a singular countable noun that

is nonspecific.
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 the beginning sound (vowel or

consonant) of a nonspecific singular
countable noun
A modular credit is given for this course.
A university student is expected to possess critical
thinking skills.
An honest student returned the laptop he found in
the library.
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Nonspecific and Generic Reference

Do not use any article (or ) when a plural

countable noun is nonspecific.
NUS graduates are well esteemed by
employers at the workplace.

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Nonspecific and Generic Reference

Do not use any article when an uncountable

noun is nonspecific.
The internet is a rich resource of
information.

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Nonspecific and Generic Reference

Do not use any article when a generalization

is made about an uncountable noun.
Water is scarce in many countries.
Oil is a finite resource.

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Abstract Generic vs. Concrete Generic

Abstract Generic: The Entire
Class

Concrete Generic: A
Representative Class

The wasp can detect unique

volatile compounds over great
distances.

A wasp can be trained to detect

odors.

The laser has a great many uses in

medicine.
The computer has been invaluable
in scientific advancement.

A laser can be used by a surgeon

to make very clean cuts.
Computers are playing a growing
role in all aspects of university life
Concrete is relatively cheap.

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 subject I enjoy most in NUS.
(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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