3 Articles
3.1 The indefinite article: 'a/an' (1)
3.1 A General statements with 'a/an' and zero (0) [> LEG 3 .7,3.9.1-2,3.19.1]
Study:
та1 A and an have exactly the same meaning. We use a in front of consonant sounds (a man, a
yeai) and an in front of vowel sounds (an umbrella, an eye, an hour).2 We can talk about people or things 'in general' with a/an or with the plural [> 3.5А].
Instead of: Cats are domestic animals. (= 'cats in general')
We can say: A cat is a domestic animal. (= 'cats in general')Write: Make the singular sentences plural and the plural sentences singular.1 A small computer isn't expensive
2 A quartz watch doesn't last for ever
3 I like plays with messages
4 I admire politicians who are sincere
5 A big city is always fascinating
6 Even an efficient system can break down ...,v.
7 A road map is always out of date Í
8 A rule is meant to be broken
9 Restaurants shouldn't charge too much
10 How much do car radios cost?
11 A bus leaves here every hour
12 How long does a letter take to get here?3.1 В The 'plural form' of 'a/an' [> LEG 3.5-6,3.9.1-2]
Study:
та
1 The plural of a/an is zero ( 0 ) when we refer to 'things in general':
A cat is a domestic animal. -» ( 0 ) Cats are ( 0 ) domestic animals.2 The plural of a/an is some or any when we refer to 'quantity' [but compare > 5.3A]:
There's a sandwich on the plate. -* There are some sandwiches on the plate. [> 5.3B]
We use numbers in place of a/an and some/any only when we are counting:
There's only one sandwich left.-* There are only four sandwiches left. [> 3.2B]Write: Turn these sentences into the plural, making all necessary changes.
1 She's an architect
2 Do you want a potato?
3 A doctor needs years of training
4 How well can a cat see in the dark?
5 Have you got a cat at home?
6 Why should a compact disc be so dear?
7 I borrowed a compact disc
8 Can you lend me a compact disc?
9 Why is a car so expensive?
10 There isn't a car in the street