Articles and

Determiners

A/an and the

Definition: A/ an (singular)
 a and an = indefinite articles to refer to
something in a less specific manner
(unspecified count noun).
 “one among many”
One among many
unspecified
A newspaper has an
obligation to seek out
and tell the truth.
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Usage: A/ An

1. Unspecific singular count nouns:

A computer is a useful tool.
2. When you can add “in general”
A repeater takes a weak signal from
one segment and passes it to the next
segment.

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Definition: The (singular and plural)

 The = definite article usually precedes

a specific noun previously mentioned or
part of a group
unknown A new chip was introduced
yesterday. The new chip will
known radically improve the specific
performance of most PCs and will
cost less than the older model.

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Usage: The

1. A specific representative of a category:

The Windows Operating System is still the
determining factor for the implementation of
most software.
2. An essential phrase follows the noun:
The chip which was described above is
expensive to build; the circuits on the chip
are etched using copper and platinum, platinum
being the most expensive of the materials used
in this experiment.

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Usage: The

3. The noun refers to a class as a whole:

The CPU sets the requirements for all
other components in a PC.
4. An of phrase follows the noun:
Platinum is the most expensive of the
materials used in this experiment.

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Definition: no article at all
 Always indefinite
 Singular: used with abstract and
noncount nouns not otherwise specified
 Plural: plural of a/an
abstract (singular)
Innovation involves the indefinite
integration of products,
indefinite markets, and technologies abstract
(plural)

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Summary: Plurals
 The (singular)  A (singular)
The copper etching Instead of using a
on the chip is Windows platform, we
less exact than should have
the platinum considered using a
etching. flavor of Linux.
 The (plural)  Zero-article (plural)
Linux operating
The two etchings systems are more
differ in their flexible than Windows
quality. platforms.
specific not specific

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 Example
0Innovation involves the integration of 0products,
0markets, and 0technologies. This conclusion may appear
obvious, but the integration seldom occurs. Apparently, it
is easier to suffer the negative results of not integrating,
than taking the time to integrate. 0New products generally
require 0new technologies; 0new products often depend
on 0new markets or 0market segments. 0New
technologies without 0product or 0market applications
provide no benefit. 0New products without 0new
technologies will not survive in the marketplace. 0Products
without 0market acceptance, regardless of 0technological
advances and their internally perceived benefits, consume
0resources without providing any added value.
http://www.ieee.org/organizations/eab/icet/TEarticles/tutorials/innovation/organizationalrequire.htm

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