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  • Indefinite and Zero Article

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    The indefinite article "a" or "an" has several functions including indefinite specific reference to individualize nouns and generic reference to classify nouns into categories. It can also serve numerical, distributive, and unique noun functions. The indefinite article follows countable nouns with no modifier, descriptive premodifiers, or postmodifiers. The zero article is used for generic reference without individualization as well as for abstract nouns, language names, and plural nouns. Proper nouns also require special consideration for article use.

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    The indefinite article "a" or "an" has several functions including indefinite specific reference to individualize nouns and generic reference to classify nouns into categories. It can also serve numerical, distributive, and unique noun functions. The indefinite article follows countable nouns with no modifier, descriptive premodifiers, or postmodifiers. The zero article is used for generic reference without individualization as well as for abstract nouns, language names, and plural nouns. Proper nouns also require special consideration for article use.

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    8 views1 page

    Indefinite and Zero Article

    Uploaded by

    juliannaborbely7641
    The indefinite article "a" or "an" has several functions including indefinite specific reference to individualize nouns and generic reference to classify nouns into categories. It can also serve numerical, distributive, and unique noun functions. The indefinite article follows countable nouns with no modifier, descriptive premodifiers, or postmodifiers. The zero article is used for generic reference without individualization as well as for abstract nouns, language names, and plural nouns. Proper nouns also require special consideration for article use.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    The use of the indefinite article

    Before singular countable nouns


    Countable noun may have
    o No modifier
    o Descriptive premodifier
    o Descriptive postmodifier
    Main functions of indefinite article:
    o A) Indefinite specific reference (individualizing function)
    They have a daughter and three sons.
    o B) Generic reference (classifying function)
    B) Tom wants to become a doctor.
    A dog is an animal.

    Other uses:
    1. Numerical function
    a. Weak form of numerical sense of ONE
    b. one and the same
    2. Distributive function
    a. Once a day
    3. Before unique abstract or material noun
    4. Constructions:
    a. What+an+A+N
    b. So+A+a+N = SUCH+A+a+N

    ZERO ARTICLE
    -

    Generic function
    Indefinite article has no plural form => zero article
    Abstract nouns
    Names of languages

    Use of articles with proper nouns!!

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