2. BEFORE YOU BEGIN
1. The word the is used before a noun
with a specific meaning.
2. The word a or an is used before a
noun with a general meaning.
3. For a noun with a general
meaning, the plural form can be used
instead of a or an.
3. the = specific meaning
The boy in the picture is
smiling. However, the boys in
the left corner are angry.
4. a or an = general meaning
A boy is a young male
human being. Any young male
human is a boy.
5. Plural = general meaning
In many societies around
the world, boys are expected
not to cry when they become
men or when they are
considered as adults.
6. a, an, plural = general meaning
A boy is a young male
human being. In my
society, only boys cry. A man
who cries is considered weak.
Men who are strong are never
seen to cry in public.
7. the = specific meaning
In my society, only girls and
boys cry. However, boys that
never cry are considered
strong. The boy who cries is
considered to be like a girl.
8. a, an, plural = general meaning
In my society, only girls and
boys cry. However, a boy who
never cries is considered
strong. Boys who cry are
considered to be like a girl.
9. ONE MORE TIME
1. The word the is used before a noun
with a specific meaning.
2. The word a or an is used before a
noun with a general meaning.
3. For a noun with a general
meaning, the plural form can be used
instead of a or an.
11. SUMMARY
1. When mentioning a noun for the first
time, use a or an. At next mention
(2nd, 3rd, etc. time), use the.
2. When a noun is described
specifically, use the.
3. When you and your receiver know
the noun you are talking about, use
the.
19. 1ST
MENTION
2ND
MENTION
Mothers can follow five
steps in a visual poster that
shows how to create a cold
lotion.
Since the poster is for
illiterate mothers, pictures
can show how the cold
lotion looks like.
52. ONE MORE TIME
Use a or an with
• hundred, thousand, million
• jobs, occupations, careers
53. ONE MORE TIME
Use the with
• musical instruments
• prices
• speeds
• frequency
• speeds
54. and ... ONE MORE TIME
Nouns with specific meanings
• Use the before the noun.
55. and ... ONE MORE TIME
Nouns with general meanings
• Use a or an before the noun, or
• Use the plural form.
56. and ... THE LAST ONE
Use a or an
• When mentioning a noun
the first time.
57. and ... THE LAST ONE
Use the
• At next mention of the noun
• When a noun is described
specifically
• When you and your audience
know the noun you are talking
about