Phân biệt "The, a/an, zero article".

Question

Cho biết cách sử dụng "The, a/an, zero article" như thế nào?

Answer 1

• The definite article (the)

1. When the listener or reader knows which noun we are talking about either because it has been mentioned before or it is clear which one.

→ There is a new employment law on retirement ages. In my opinion, the law is unfair.

→ I think the government needs to renew its economic policy.

2. When the speaker or writer qualifies a noun with information to make it definite.

→ You know the minister who was sacked because he was taking bribes.

3. When there is only one of something.

→ The world is suffering from this economic downturn.

4. With ‘… of …’ and ‘… of a …’ (for definite noun phrases).

→ The rate of inflation is rising.

→ I noticed the papers of a fellow commuter on the train.

5. With superlatives, with geographical features and weather, and with well – defined groups.

→ He is the hardest working employee in the company.

→ I could not get to work because of the fog.

→ The bankers have put this country into a state of crisis.

• The indefinite article (a/an)

1. When the listener or reader does not know the person or thing we are referring to because this is mentioned for the first time or is unspecific or unimportant.

→ There is a new employment law on retirement ages.

→ We need an assistant.

2. When an adjective comes before a singular noun.

→ High taxation on the rich is a very unfair system.

3. When mentioning a quantity such as a fraction or a number to mean “one”.

→ a third, a million, a hundred.

4. When we talk about one member of a group or class.

→ An employer must be aware of employment law. (Any employer)

→ He is a banker. (One of a job type)

• The zero article

1. When we refer to a noun in general (this is common in academic writing). Usually, the noun is in the plural form.

→ Jobs are essential if you want to make money.

2. With uncountable nouns, when the noun is not a specific group.

→ Jobs are essential if you want to make money.

→ Economics is an essential part of politics.

3. With most proper nouns (names).

→ She works for Google.

→ I have another bank account in Switzerland.

NOTE: These rules cover most article usage, but as so often in grammar, there are exceptions.