2. Typical ELL Errors
• Articles are problematic because some languages
have no articles (Chinese, Japanese, Polish,
Vietnamese).
• Some languages have only the definite article
(Arabic).
• Others have the same articles as English but their
usage does not overlap exactly (French, German,
Spanish).
3. Typical ELL Errors
Noticing the gap:
• “Every family dreams about comfortable and
luxurious house.”
• “After reading this book, I can understand the
nouns and the verbs much better. I still need
help with the adjectives.”
4. INDEFINITE ARTICLES
• We use the indefinite articles a and an only
before singular count nouns.
• We use a and an with singular count nouns that
are not specific and are being mentioned for the
first time.
• E.g.; A penguin is a small black and white bird.
An igloo is a dwelling that is made of ice.
5. Indefinite Articles: a, an
Rules:
• Use a before a noun or an adjective that begins
with a consonant sound.
• e.g.; a feather, a gray feather.
• Use an before a noun or an adjective that begins
with a vowel sound.
• e.g.; an idea, an absurd idea.
6. The Definite Article the
• There are several different situations in which we
use the definite article the in English.
• 1) Something specific:
• e.g.; The umbrella next to the door is not mine.
• 2) Listener and speaker talk about the same
specific item:
• e.g.; Bob, don’t forget to close the window.
• 3) Second and all references to the same noun:
• First reference: Julia and I bought a car last week./Second
reference: The car is very comfortable.
7. The Definite Article the
• 4) Superlative form of an adjective;
• e.g.; In a jewelry store, diamonds are the most expensive
item.
• 5) Names of countries that look plural, including –
s or have the words united, union, republic, or
kingdom.
• e.g.; the Philippines, the United States, the Netherlands.
8. The Definite Article the
• 6) Parts of something (except for body parts).
• e.g.; I went to Paul’s flat yesterday. His living room is
awesome. The curtains are great and the sofa is really big
and comfortable.
• 7) Most bodies of water except individual lakes.
• e.g.; The Pacific Ocean, The Mississippi River, The
Mediterranean Sea, The Great Lakes (but Lake Michigan).
9. The Definite Article the
• 8) Geographic parts of the globe and
geographic areas, deserts, and peninsulas.
• e.g.; The equator, the Middle East, the Gobi Desert, The
South.
10. No Article
In English there are a few situations in
which articles are not used with a noun.
11. No Article
Rules:
• 1) Talking about a category or group in general.
• E.g.; Dogs are wonderful pets.
• 2) Before abstract nouns such as feelings or ideas.
• E.g.; A person’s future success depends on education (not on
the education).
12. What ELLs Should Know
• 1) Do not use a singular count noun without a
article (or other determiner).
• A job, an apple, the reason
• 2) Do not use a with a noun that begins with a
vowel sound.
• An hour, an heir, an honorable colleague
13. What ELLs Should Know
• 3) Do not use the with a plural count noun that
refers to the whole category.
• I don’t trust politicians. They are an ornery bunch of people.
• 4) Do not use the with abstract nouns or ideas.
• Education is the most important thing in my life.
14. Native Language Interference
Arabic:
• Has a definite article;
• Requires the definite article with abstract nouns;
• Refers to the whole group;
• Has no indefinite article.
15. Native Language Interference
Chinese; Japanese; Korean; Russian:
• These languages have no articles; Overuse of
this and that in lieu of articles.
• ELLs who speak these languages exhibit
persistent errors with articles.
16. Native Language Interference
French; Spanish:
• Have definite and indefinite articles.
• The definite article is used for specific things
and also to refer to a whole group.
• The definite article must be used with abstract
nouns.
17. Native Language Interference
French; Spanish:
• Indefinite articles are not to be used when
talking about professions.
• Both these languages have plural forms of the
articles.
