The indefinite article a/ an is NOT used
Before plural nouns
- the plural of ** a** dog is dogs.
Before uncountable nouns
Singular and uncountable nouns in English
-
advice, information, news, baggage, luggage, furniture.
These are often preceded by: some, any, a little, a lot of, a piece of, etc… -
I´ll give you a piece of advice.
-
There isn´t any news.
-
You need some more furniture.
Knowledge is considered uncountable, but when used in a particular sense…
- A knowledge of languages is always useful.
- He has a good knowledge of Mathematics.
Hair is considered uncountable, but if we consider each hair separately we say :
-
a hair, two hairs…
-
She has black hair.
-
The fisherman used a hair to tie the feather to the hook
Materials are uncountable, but can also denote one particular thing, and then take an article
- Windows are made of glass; Have a glass of wine.
- We write on paper; I´ve got a newspaper.
- Iron is a metal; I use an electric iron.
some, any, a piece of, a lot of, are often used with materials.
Before abstract nouns, except in a particular sense:
-
beauty, happiness, fear, hope, death,
-
He was pale with fear vs Some children suffer from a fear of the dark
Before names of meals, except when preceded by an adjective; and special meaning
-
We have breakfast at eight; He gave us a good breakfast.
-
I was invited to dinner; I was invited to a dinner given to welcome the new ambassador.
Curso Básico de Escritura en Inglés
