Use of the Indefinite Article

Look at the sentences below and try to come up with rules that illustrate the uses of the
indefinite article:

1. They live in a flat.

2. A child needs the protection of his parents.
3. She wants to become a doctor. Vs. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
4. I’ve bought a lot of apples.
5. What a beautiful flower! Vs. What beautiful flowers!

Omission of the Indefinite Article

Look at the sentences below and try to come up with rules for the omission of the indefinite
article:

1. I ate cherries yesterday.

2. I hate rice.
3. We had breakfast at 9 o’clock. Vs. We had a good breakfast.

Uses of the definite article

Look at the sentences below and try to come up with rules that illustrate the uses of the
definite article:

1. We enjoy watching the stars.

2. His car struck a tree. The tree has now a mark on it.
3. Could you please pass me the salt?
4. The girl in blue is my best friend.
5. Everest is the highest mountain on Earth.
6. We must take care of the old.
7. The whale is in danger of becoming extinct. Vs. Whales are in danger of becoming
extinct.
8. Could you please call the Smiths?
Omission of the definite article
Look at the sentences below and try to come up with for the omission of the indefinite article
1. Men fear death. Vs. The death of the Prime Minister left his party without a
candidate.
2. I like having pancakes for breakfast. Vs. The dinner organised by our company was
so boring.
3. He enjoys playing chess.
4. I’ve decided to study Law rather than History.
5. The patient was taken to hospital. Vs. He went to the hospital to visit his friend.
6. India is my favourite county. Vs. I’ve never visited the Philippines.
7. I’ll go to work by train. Vs. I think I’ll take the bus today.