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All 14 Flashcards — Articles & determiners
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Question
a / an — what is it?
Answer
the indefinite article: one of many, not specified (a book, an idea); first mention of something new.
Question
the — what is it?
Answer
the definite article: a specific, already-known or unique thing (the book we saw, the sun).
Question
a or an — how do you choose?
Answer
By the SOUND: 'an' before a vowel sound (an hour, an apple), 'a' before a consonant sound (a university, a book).
Question
When do you use NO article (zero article)?
Answer
For general plural or uncountable nouns: 'Books are useful', 'I love music', 'Water is essential'.
Question
a/an or the on second mention?
Answer
Introduce with a/an, refer back with the: 'I bought a jacket. The jacket was too big.'
Question
Can you use a / an with an uncountable noun?
Answer
No — uncountables (advice, information, water) never take a/an; use 'some' or a measure word (a piece of advice).
Question
much vs many — which is which?
Answer
much + uncountable (much time, much money); many + countable plural (many friends). 'a lot of' works for both.
Question
this / that / these / those — what do they show?
Answer
Distance + number: this/these = near, that/those = far; this/that = singular, these/those = plural.
Question
some vs any — basic rule?
Answer
some in positive statements and offers (I have some / Would you like some?); any in negatives and questions (I don't have any / Is there any?).
Question
Possessive determiners — list them.
Answer
my, your, his, her, its, our, their — they replace the article: 'my phone', not 'the my phone'.
Question
How many determiners can go before one noun?
Answer
Only one: 'my book' OR 'the book', never 'the my book'.
Question
Fix: 'I got an useful information.'
Answer
'I got some useful information.' — 'information' is uncountable, so no a/an; use 'some'.
Question
Fix: 'The people are kind here.' (meaning people in general)
Answer
'People are kind here.' — a general statement about people takes no article (zero article).
Question
Fix: 'I don't have much friends.'
Answer
'I don't have many friends.' — 'friends' is countable, so 'many', not 'much'.
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