SKILL 55: DISTINGUISH SPECIFIC AND GENERAL IDEAS

With countable singular nouns, it is possible to use either the definite or the indefinite article. BUT THEY HAVE DIFFERENT MEANINGS.

      ¨A or An (versus) THE¨

   

• A or An:

1. Use it when there are many, and you don´t know which one it is.

2. Use it when there are many, and you don´t care which one it is.

Example:

       Tom will bring a book tomorrow. (Any book)

• THE:

1. Use it when it is the only one.

2. Use it when there are many, and you and your listener know which one it is.

The definite and indefinite articles have different meanings.

    A or AN = General idea

Use when there are many, and you do not know or you do not care which one it is.

     THE = Specific idea

  

Use when it is the only one.

Use when there are many, and you know which one it is.

      Example:

"Mario will bring the book tomorrow"

(It means, there is one specific book that Mario will bring tomorrow)

"Mario will bring a book tomorrow"

(It means, Mario will bring anyone book)

If you want to learn more about this skill, I recommend you to watch the following video: CLIC HERE FOR WATCHING