Well, hey there!
I created TWO English lessons on YouTube to help you
understand everything you need to know about English articles
(which one to use, when to use it & why). Did you watch the
indefinite article (a/an) and the definite article (the) lessons?
In this workbook you'll get to put everything you learned into
practice - PLUS, I've included all the rules for when NOT to use
an article at all. Let's review!
Emma x
When NOT to use an article in English:
The choices you make about articles are often influenced by your native language - but the way that
articles are used in English does not always directly translate (which leads to grammar mistakes!)
We created this cheat sheet to help you identify when you should not use an article in English.
My tip:
Pay attention when the article is used differently in English compared to your native
language. Make an effort to learn the exceptions! Aim to remember where the rules are
different, so that you can use English accurately!
Don’t use an article with the following types of nouns:
1.
Nouns that refer to general ideas and truths
Including abstract nouns (things that cannot be touched), uncountable nouns & plural nouns.
For example:
Love conquers all.
World peace is an important issue.
Water is essential to life.
Paper is made of wood.
Strawberries are picked in summer.
Koalas are endangered. (a general truth about all koalas)
Cherry blossoms are beautiful in spring. (a general truth about all cherry blossoms)
YouTube lesson:
When to use (& when not to use) 'THE'
(NO) ARTICLE CHEAT SHEET!
One of the trickiest aspects of English articles is knowing when not to use them! In general, most
nouns are used together with an article especially to talk about things that are unique, specific or
defined. However, there are exceptions.
2.
Names of continents, countries, cities and towns
For example:
Australia, Mexico, France, Turkey, Ukraine, etc.
Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, South America, North America, Antarctica, etc.
Paris, Jakarta, Hanoi, Berlin, Dublin, Lima, etc.
Watch out for the exceptions!
Countries that are plural, or have 'Kingdom', 'Republic' and 'United' in the name take THE:
For example; The Netherlands, The Philippines, The UK, The USA, The Czech Republic
3.
Names of languages
English, French, Japanese, Italian, Farsi, German, Vietnamese, Hindi, etc.
Note: When THE precedes these nouns it refers to a population of people.
The Germans are known for precision. (refers to the German population)
4. Names of people, films, books and plays
(unless THE is part of the title)
For example:
Frances, Emma and Shah work at mmmEnglish!
Brave New World is a classic novel.
(but: Have you read The Lord Of The Rings?)
Note: We use THE + name to refer to a group of people with the same name e.g a family
The Smiths live in New York. (refers to multiple members of the Smith family)
5.
Names of singular lakes, bays, mountains and islands
For example:
Lake Eyre, Port Phillip Bay, Mount Everest, Lord Howe Island
6.
Expressions with go by + mode of transport
(bus, car, tram, train etc)
Compare:
We caught the tram.
/
We went by tram.
YouTube lesson:
When to use (& when not to use) 'THE'
(NO) ARTICLE CHEAT SHEET!
For example:
7.
Names of streets, square and parks
For example:
Oxford Street, Federation Square, Hyde Park
Watch out! If you are not naming the park specifically, then you DO need an article.
Watch out for cars when you cross the street!
Is there a park near here?
8.
Names of games and sports
For example:
Note: This changes if the noun relates to a game of sport.
We usually want the cricket at our local pub. (referring to the game, not the sport)
9.
Names of subjects of study
For example:
history, chemistry, mathematics, humanities, music, drama, physical education, etc.
10. Names of planets
For example:
Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Earth
Exception! Always use THE with the sun and the moon (when referring to Earth's moon).
11.
Names of meals
For example:
breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper, dessert
12. Names of days & months
For example:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, August, September, October, etc.
YouTube lesson:
When to use (& when not to use) 'THE'
(NO) ARTICLE CHEAT SHEET!
basketball, cricket, snowboarding, golf, soccer, water polo etc.
chess, monopoly, snakes and ladders etc.
PRACTICE QUIZ: Test Yourself!
1.
Alex lives on Russell Street.
2.
Do you like milk?
3.
Coffee was delicious yesterday.
4.
Have you ever been to Eiffel Tower?
5.
Oldest tree in the world is in California.
6.
Last week, I met Queen of Denmark.
7.
The film comes out on Friday.
8.
We went to the city by the train.
9.
Moon shines brightly on a clear dark night.
10.
Have you ever been to Czech Republic?
ANSWERS ON THE NEXT PAGE...
YouTube lesson:
When to use (& when not to use) 'THE'
PRACTICE QUIZ: ENGLISH ARTICLES
Decide whether the sentences are correct then complete the incorrect ones by adding THE.
Remember that sometimes, you'll need to use NO ARTICLE! Use your cheat sheet to check the rules!
Example:
I’ve always wanted to travel to Philippines.
I’ve always wanted to travel to The Philippines.
PRACTICE QUIZ ANSWERS
No peeking
until you
complete t
he quiz!
1.
Alex lives on Russell Street.
No article with street names.
2.
Do you like milk?
speaking generally - no article
3.
The coffee was delicious yesterday.
We are talking about a specific coffee (The one I drank yesterday).
4.
Have you ever been to the Eiffel Tower?
This is a unique noun. There is only one in the world so we need THE.
5.
The oldest tree in the world is in California.
We always use THE with superlative adjectives.
6.
Last week, I met the Queen of Denmark.
This is a unique noun so we need THE.
7.
The film comes out on Friday.
No article with days of the week, so this sentence is good!
8.
We went to the city by train.
No articles in expression with go by + (transport)
9.
The Moon shines brightly on a clear dark night.
No article with names of planets except THE sun and THE moon
10.
Have you ever been to The Czech Republic?
Countries with 'United', 'Kingdom', 'Republic' take THE
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How did you go?
Come and tell me in the comments of the video
And ask any questions you have!
YouTube lesson:
When to use (& when not to use) 'THE'
PRACTICE QUIZ: ENGLISH ARTICLES
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