English grammar - Roger Berry 2012

B3.3 The indefinite article
B3 Articles
Section B Development

The indefinite article can be regarded as the basic form (the ’default’ determiner), to be used with singular count nouns when they are the head of an NP and when there is no reason to use the (or any other central determiner). These situations include:

a) There was a new student in class today - establishing something (specific reference).

This is the most typical use of a/an.

b) It’s cold - you’ll need a jacket. - something not existing = ’any’

c) Will is a teacher. - describing (rather than referring)

d) A rifle is a dangerous weapon. - generic reference (see below)

e) 105 (’a hundred and five’) - in numbers (and fractions)

f) twenty miles an hour - in rates

Activity B3.1

Say whether and why the following underlined nouns need the indefinite article.

1. It is ... new system of communication.

2. They didn’t give you ... good advice.

3. Peter is ... excellent father.

4. We need ... better crisis management.