A, An, The, or Leave it alone
(1)_________ firefighters face dangers.
(2)_________ firefighters were the first to arrive at the scene of the accident.
(1)Firefighters face dangers.
(2)The firefighters were the first to arrive at the scene of the accident.
Please close a door when you enter the class.
Please close the door when you enter the class.
___ Jordan is a country in ___ Middle East.
Jordan is a country in the Middle East.
Have I ever told you about the time I was almost bitten by _________ dog?
Key: Have I ever told you about the time I was bitten by a dog?
Rule a: Use an indefinite article to introduce new information.
(1)_________ cigarettes kill many people every year.
(2)_________ cigarette broke before I could light it.
(1)Cigarettes kill many people every year.
(2)The cigarette broke before I could light it.
She graduated with degree in mathematics and physics.
She graduated with a degree in mathematics and physics.
My brother is ___ mountain climber; he has climbed ___ Mount Everest.
My brother is a mountain climber; he has climbed Mount Everest.
Wow, ______ moon is so big and bright tonight.
Key: Wow, the moon is so big and bright tonight.
Rule d: Use the definite article when the listener knows the answer to "which one?"
Rule e: Use the definite article when there is only one.
I didn’t eat _________ cookie because I just don’t like _________ cookies.
I didn’t eat the/a cookie because I just don’t like cookies.
I love the rock music; my favorite group is Beatles.
I love rock music; my favorite group is the Beatles.
___ Museum of Modern Art is on ___ 53rd Street in New York City.
The Museum of Modern Art is on 53rd Street in New York City.
"Who is ___ mayor of your city?"
Key: "Who is the mayor of your city"
Rule e: Use the definite article when there is only one.
(1)_________ firefighters are often the first to arrive at the scene of an accident.
(2)_________ firefighters inhale many dangerous fumes on the job.
(1) Firefighters are often the first to arrive at the scene of an accident.
(2) Firefighters inhale many dangerous fumes on the job.
Calcium is a mineral.
Correct.
___ Hague is ___ city in ___ Netherlands.
The Hague is a city in the Netherlands.
I had a weird dream last night. In ______ dream, my dog was taking me for a walk!
Key: I had a weird dream last night. In the dream, my dog was talking me for a walk!
Rule c: Use the definite article to refer to things that have already been introduced.
My cousin wanted to be ___ surgeon, but he hates ___ blood.
My cousin wanted to be a surgeon, but he hates blood.
(1)_________ doctors recommend eating more fish.
(2)_________ doctor recommended that I cut down on fats.
(1)Doctors recommend eating more fish.
(2)The doctor recommended that I cut down on fats.
We wanted to go to movie premier, but instead we stayed home and watched TV.
We wanted to go to the movie premier, but instead we stayed home and watched TV.
___ Dominican Republic is on ___ island in ___ Caribbean.
The Dominican Republic is on an island in the Caribbean.
I've been to a lot of places like ______ Australia, ______ Ecuador, and _____ UK, but I'd really like to go to _______ Philippines.
Key: I've been to a lot of countries like Australia, Ecuador, and the UK, but I'd really like to go to the Philippines.
Rule f: Don't use the definite article with continents, most countries, cities, lakes, and mountains.
Exception: countries made up of many "parts" usually use the definite article.