1.2.12

Determiners

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Lexis - Articles (Determiners)

We insert a determiner before a noun. There are two main types of determiners: articles and quantifiers. Articles are used to describe definiteness.

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Definite article

  • A definite article (like ‘the’) is used when there is something specific.
    • For example: the door, the house, the boy.
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Definite article - examples

  • We are going for a drive in the car.
    • 'The’ is referring to a specific car.
  • Open the door, please.
    • 'The' is referring to a specific door.
  • The police officer could not catch the thief.
    • 'The' is referring to a specific police officer and a specific thief.
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Indefinite article

  • An indefinite article (like 'a') is used for something more general.
    • For example: a house, a door, a boy.
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Indefinite articles - examples

  • Choose a door, any door.
    • The ‘a’ signifies that it could refer to any number of doors.
  • Can you pick up a carrot from the shops?
    • The ‘a’ signifies that it could refer to any carrot and no carrot in particular.
    • I want a house by the sea.
    • The 'a' signifies that I do not want a particular house, but any house that is by the sea.

Lexis - Quantifiers (Determiners)

We insert a determiner before a noun. There are two main types of determiners: articles and quantifiers. Quantifiers can be specific or general and display a quantity.

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Quantifiers - examples

  • Henry VIII had six wives.
  • I have lots of friends.
  • I only have a few pens.
  • I have many different pairs of socks.

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1Language Levels

2Language, The Individual & Society

3Language Diversity & Change

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