Page 54 - Hello-Grammar-8

NOTES

‘A’ or ‘an’ is called indefinite article because
it indicates people or things in general sense.

She ate a banana.
She ate an orange.

Compare:

A boy and a girl were sitting opposite me.
The boy looked like a foreigner, but the girl was a Nepali.

I stayed at a hotel during my visit.

I usually had my meals at the hotel, but sometimes I ate at a
restaurant. The restaurant was next to the hotel.

We also use ‘the’ when we are talking about one particular thing.

Sunita sat down on a plastic chair. [one of many plastic chairs]
Sunita sat down on the plastic chair near the window. (a particular
chair; the one near the window)

We also use the when it's clear from the situation which thing or person
we mean.
Can you open the door, please? [The door in this room]
The doctor has advised me to take rest. [the particular doctor

I went to]
My father has gone to the bank. [particular bank- the one he uses]

However, we use ‘a’ or ‘an’ is used to suggest just anyone of something.

My brother is an engineer. [there are many engineers in the world]
She works in a school. [there are many staff who work in a school]
Is there a window in this [number]
room?

50 Hello Grammar 8