When I first started teaching English comp, non-native speakers made me understand what we take for granted in our language. Here's an example: How do you explain when to use "a." "an" or "the"?
The use of "a" or "an" is based on the beginning sound of the word that follows. If it has a vowel sound (doesn't have to be a vowel), then "an" makes the words flow smoothly. For example, "an heir to a fortune."
Using "the" instead of "a" or "an" makes the noun more specific.
The use of "a" or "an" is based on the beginning sound of the word that follows. If it has a vowel sound (doesn't have to be a vowel), then "an" makes the words flow smoothly. For example, "an heir to a fortune."
ReplyDeleteUsing "the" instead of "a" or "an" makes the noun more specific.
I've always wonder at the English not using a, an or the.
ReplyDeleteThe person is at hospital.
Exactly Judith! A and an are also singular.
ReplyDeleteMelanie: They also use "He is at university." I'll have to think about this. They use articles sometimes.
I'm hoping this works. I'm going to add a link to Wikipedia. The section on (the?) definite article is down a bit.
ReplyDeleteIt's the difference in the definite article usage between American and English English. snicker
Turns out AE and EE both have different exceptions to the rule.
The one I thought most interesting was roads. The English say "the M25" and we would never say "the I-95".
www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/05/8pen-android-typing-app_n_804782.html
Oh, there are no citations on the article. Maybe when you're feeling better Bee, you could write a paper!
ReplyDeleteMelanie - I'm not sure about what you said. Is it that we would say we take the 95, leaving out the 'I' part?
ReplyDeleteExample: I would not say, "I'm taking the I-95."
ReplyDeleteI would normally say "I'm taking I-95."
Melanie: The link is to the Huntington Post. Is that correct or did you get the info from Wikipedia? What did you type in the search line?
ReplyDeleteWhoops! That was from an email I sent McKey on a new typing method for phones and tablets. Try this.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_and_British_English_differences