Line英会話クラス
Lesson Plan November 29, 2024
Topic: Nouns: Countable & Uncountable
Before certain nouns we often use A/AN or THE.
Section A
John has a cat and a dog. The cat is shy, but the dog is very friendly.
When we mention something for the first time, we use the indefinite article (a / an). When we know which thing someone is talking about, the definite article (the) is used.
In the second sentence, we know which particular cat and which particular dog the speaker is talking about - John’s cat and John’s dog.
I had a sandwich and an orange juice for lunch. The sandwich was very tasty and the juice was fresh.
I met an interesting man yesterday. I think the man was from Greece.
Section B
We went to a nice restaurant last night. The food was good but the service was awful.
In the above example, the person says the food and the service because we know which particular ‘food’ and ‘service’ they are talking about - the food and the service in the restaurant.
Can you close the door, please? (= the door in this room)
I’m going to the bank now. (= my usual bank)
I went to see the doctor yesterday. (= my usual doctor)
Section C
What is the capital of England?
We often use the when there is only one of something.
The fastest animal in the world.
The end of this year.
I use the internet everyday.
the sun / the earth / the sky / the universe etc
BUT: The sun is in space. (NOT the space)
Section D
I’m going to the cinema tonight.
We use the before certain nouns like ‘cinema’ when we are think about the use of a thing or place. In the above examples, we are thinking about going to watch a film, not going to one particular cinema.
I went to the theatre yesterday.
I often list to the radio.
I sometimes play games on the computer.
He doesn’t like talking on the telephone.
BUT: I often watch television. (NOT the television)
Can you turn off the televsion? (= a particular television set, you know which one)
Lesson Notes
Words & Phrases
Paper cut; a cut caused by a piece of paper or something similar
Hometown Tax Plan; ふるさと納税
Nouns: A / AN and THE
A / AN; used when there are many of something
Can you open a window? (There are three windows here - can you open one?)
I’ve got a car. (There are many cars and I’ve got one)
Can I ask a question? (There are many questions — can I ask one?)
Is there a hotel near here? (There are many hotels — is there one near here?)
Paris is an interesting city. (There are many interesting cities and Paris is one)
Lisa is a student. (There are many students and Lisa is one)
THE; used when it is clear which thing or person we are talking about
Can you open the window? (There is only one window, open it)
I’m going to clean the car tomorrow. (= my car)
Can you repeat the question? (= the questions that you asked)
We enjoyed our holiday. The hotel was amazing. (= our hotel)
Paris is the capital of France. (There is only one capital of France)
Lisa is the youngest student in her class. (There is only one youngest student in her class)
