B2 · Lesson 31 · 25 min
Articles and general reference
In this lesson
- I can distinguish general reference from a specific group or amount.
- I can explain common British English contrasts between an institution’s function and its building.
Grammar in context
Libraries give people access to information. The information on this leaflet describes our local library. My daughter is at school today; I am going to the school later to speak to her teacher.
Which nouns refer to a whole category, which refer to identified things, and why does school appear with and without the?
Refer to a category in general
Plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns often take no article when they refer generally to a category or substance: bicycles are useful; patience takes practice. A singular countable noun normally needs a determiner. A or an can introduce one representative of a category, while the can have special generic uses such as the tiger in formal descriptions of a species. Do not turn the zero-article pattern into a rule for every noun.
- Musicians need practice.
- A bicycle is useful for short journeys.
Make the reference identifiable
Use the when the listener can identify the intended person, thing, group or amount from context. A following phrase can help identify it, but the mere presence of a phrase does not automatically require the: people in general and the people waiting by our car have different reference. Compare general advice with the advice you gave me yesterday. A new, non-specific member of a countable group usually takes a or an.
- Water is essential for life.
- The water in this sealed bottle is safe to drink.
Distinguish function and location
In common British English expressions, go to school or be at school can describe participation as a pupil. Go to the school identifies a particular place or building. In hospital commonly means receiving treatment as a patient in British English; in the hospital can identify the building, and usage differs in other varieties, including American English. Learn these expressions with their contexts rather than treating every institution noun identically.
- Owen is in prison as a prisoner.
- The visitor is waiting outside the prison.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
She gave me an useful advice.
Use
She gave me some useful advice.
Advice is uncountable in this use; use some advice or a useful piece of advice.
Avoid
A students need regular practice.
Use
Students need regular practice.
A cannot determine a plural noun; the zero article suits this general statement.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.