Determiners
English Language: AQA A Level, topic 1.2.12
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.
Definite article
- A definite article (like ‘the’) is used when there is something specific.
- For example: the door, the house, the boy.
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.
Indefinite article
- An indefinite article (like 'a') is used for something more general.
- For example: a house, a door, a boy.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Determiners
Which sentences use definite articles?
Which sentences use indefinite articles?
Which sentences use quantifiers?
What is the quantifier in this sentence?
I have had many different experiences in a long life.