Article usage - Graduate Writing Center
Article Usage
Articles (a, an, the, and the "zero article") tend to drive non-native English speakers nuts. Plus! Ask any native English speaker to tell you article rules; we bet four out of five will not be able to do so.
We believe that's because, while there are definitely rules for using articles, there are many exceptions to those rules.
"Go get a bat!" differs from "Go get the bat!" Likewise, "Go get bats!" is not the same as "Go get the bats!" Argh!
We learn article usage by listening—by immersion—and we recommend that you listen carefully to your favorite podcasts in English to help.
Article Usage Links
- Handout (printable): "Articles," University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Writing Center
- Handout with exercises (printable): "Matching Articles with Nouns," Douglas College
- Short video (2:47): "Introduction to Articles," Khan Academy
- Exercises: "Meet the Article," Khan Academy
- Exercises: "Choosing between Definite and Indefinite Articles," Khan Academy
Writing Topics A–Z
This index links to the most relevant page for each item. Please email us at writingcenter@nps.edu if we're missing something!
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advisor, selecting and working with appointment with GWC coaches, how to schedule |
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C
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commas, nonessential / nonrestrictive information |
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G
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O
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P
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Q
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research guides, discipline-specific |
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sources, engaging with / critiquing |
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thesis advisor, selecting and working with Thesis Processing Office (TPO) |
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U
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