Definite Article with Class Nouns
Class nouns are used with the definite article: #1. When the noun denotes an object or objects which the speaker singles out from all the objects of a given class. An object is singled out in the following cases: when the speaker and the hearer know what particular object is No special indication is necessary. How did you like the play? I Have got the magazine. N о t e — It should be borne in mind that there is a difference between knowing what object is spoken about and knowing the object itself. A: I do not care [...]
Use of the Indefinite Article with Nouns in Expressions
in a hurry Things done in a hurry are done badly. at a glance She saw at a glance that something had happened. To be at a loss She was at a loss what to say. to have a good time Last night we went to an evening party and had a very good time. as a result As a result of the inhabitants’ strenuous efforts the damaged city was soon rebuilt. it is a pleasure It is a pleasure to read beautiful poetry. it is a shame It is a shame not to know these elementary things. it is [...]
Use of the Definite Article with Nouns in Expressions
to be on the safe side I am almost sure of the pronunciation of this name, but to be on the safe side let us consult the pronouncing dictionary. to play the piano (the violin, the harp) She plays the piano very well. it is out of the question “Will you go to the theatre tonight?” “It’s out of the question. I have lots of things to do.” to take the trouble to do something You had a difficult text to translate and you did not take the trouble to consult the dictionary. in the original You know English [...]
Nouns in Expressions used without an Article
out of doors The children spent most of the time out of doors. to take to heart Don’t take things too much to heart. to take offense If he had heard your remark, he would have taken offense. to give (to get, to ask) permission I asked permission to keep the book a little longer. to lose heart He found the subject very difficult at first, but he did not lose heart. He went on working hard and finally mastered it. at present You may go home, we don’t want you at present. from head to foot She was dressed [...]
Omission of the Article
Sometimes the article is not used where we naturally expect to find it in accordance with the rules. No change of meaning is observed in these cases. The article is often omitted in newspaper headings, telegrams, in stage directions. Gas Blast Kills Woman. (Daily Worker) Girl Gymnast Keeps Title. (Moscow News) The article is often omitted with homogeneous members closely connected with each other and joined by the conjunction and. In most cases, they go in pairs. The breakfast was taken away, and that meal over, it was the general custom of uncle and niece to separate. (Ch. Bronte)
Use of Article with Nouns modified by certain Adjectives, Pronouns and Numerals
Use of article with 'most' #1. Most + adjective. The definite article is used when most serves to form the superlative degree of an adjective. This is the most interesting chapter in the book. The use of the indefinite article shows that a high degree of a quality is meant. Most has the same meaning as very, exceedingly. Caroline found that the old maid had been a most devoted daughter and sister. (Ch. Bronte) NOTE: Occasionally the form of the superlative degree does not express comparison, but a high degree of a quality. He listened with the most profound [...]
Use of Article with Names of Languages
Names of languages when they are not followed by the noun language are used without articles: She knows English. Note the peculiar use of the definite article in: It is a translation from the English (the Frenchetc.), What is the English (the French etc.) for ‘la ilaha illallah’? The definite article is used if the noun is modified by a particularizing attribute: The English of America differs from the English of England. When the noun language is mentioned,the definite article is used: the English language, the German language.
Use of Article with the Names of Meals
Names of meals are used without articles. When did you have dinner? Is dinner ready? Mother is cooking dinner. While they were at breakfast, the letters were brought in. (Austen) I have finished breakfast, ring the bell. (Ch. Bronte) The definite article is used when the nouns are modified by a particularizing attribute or when the situation makes them definite. The dinner we had to-day was very substantial. The dinner was a success. The indefinite article is used if the name of a meal is modified by a descriptive attribute. After a hearty breakfast the four gentlemen sallied forth to [...]
Use of articles with the noun ‘town’
The noun town when used with prepositions does not take an article: #1. when we mean the nearest town (if we live in the country) or the town we live in. You cannot go to town tomorrow. (Austen) What can you have to do in town...? (Austen) #2. when the noun town is opposed to the noun He was not used to country life, having spent twenty years in town. Otherwise, the noun town is used with the definite or indefinite article. I want to go to the town where I was born.
Use of Article with the nouns “school, college, bed, prison, jail”
The nouns school, college, bed, prison, jail are used without an article when they lose their concrete meaning and express the purpose for which the objects denoted by these nouns serve. When these nouns denote concrete objects the articles are used according to the general principle. #1. School, College to be at school to go to school } to be a schoolboy (schoolgirl) to be at college — to be a student of a college to leave school — to finish or drop one’s studies School begins at five. She went to College in the North. (Gow and D’Usseau) His [...]