There are three windows here. a window = window 1 or 2 or 3
I've got a car. (there are many cars and I've got one)
Can I ask a question? (there are many questions – can I ask one?)
Is there a hotel near here? (there are many hotels – is there one near here?)
Paris is an interesting city. (there are many interesting cities and Paris is one)
Lisa is a student. (there are many students and Lisa is one)
the
Can you open the window?
There is only one window here – the window.
I'm going to clean the car tomorrow. (= my car)
Can you repeat the question, please? (= the question that you asked)
We enjoyed our holiday. The hotel was very nice. (= our hotel)
Paris is the capital of France. (there is only one capital of France)
Lisa is the youngest student in her class. (there is only one youngest student in her class)
Compare a and the:
I bought a jacket and a shirt. The jacket was cheap but the shirt was expensive. (= the jacket and the shirt I bought)
B. We say the ... when it is clear which thing or person we mean. For example:
the door / the ceiling / the floor / the carpet / the light etc. (of a room)
the roof / the garden / the kitchen / the bathroom etc. (of a house)
the centre / the station / the airport / the town hall etc. (of a town)
Where's Tom? 'In the kitchen.'
(= the kitchen in this house or flat)
Turn off the light and close the door.
(= the light and the door of the room)
Do you live far from the centre?
(= the centre of your town)
I'd like to speak to the manager, please.
(= the manager of this shop etc.)
a/an
I've got a car.
Can I ask a question?
Is there a hotel near here?
Paris is an interesting city.
Lisa is a student.
the
I'm going to clean the car tomorrow.
Can you repeat the question, please?
We enjoyed our holiday. The hotel was very nice.
Paris is the capital of France.
Lisa is the youngest student in her class.
a vs the
I bought a jacket and a shirt. The jacket was cheap but the shirt was expensive.
the + specific things
Turn off the light and close the door.
Do you live far from the centre?
I'd like to speak to the manager, please.
Progress: 0% (0/0)
68.1 Put in a/an or the.
1 We enjoyed our holiday. The hotel was very nice.
2 'Can I ask question?' 'Of course. What do you want to ask?'
3 You look very tired. You need holiday.
4 'Where's Tom?' 'He's in bathroom.'
5 Jane is interesting person. You must meet her.
6 A: Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to city centre?
B: Yes, go straight on and then take next turning left.
7 A: Shall we go out for meal this evening?
B: Yes, that's good idea.
8 It's nice morning. Let's go for walk.
9 Amanda is student. When she finishes her studies, she wants to be journalist.
10 She lives with two friends in flat near college where she is studying. flat is small but she likes it.
11 Peter and Mary have got two children, boy and girl. boy is seven years old and girl is three. Peter works in factory. Mary hasn't got job at the moment.
68.2 Complete the sentences. Use a or the + one of these words:
airport
cup
door
floor
picture
radio
Can you open the door, please?
How far is it to the airport?
Can I have a cup of coffee, please?
That's a nice picture.
Can you turn off the radio, please?
Who are you sitting on the floor?
1
2
3
4
5
6
68.3 Put in a/an or the where necessary.
1 Don't forget to turn off the light when you go out.
2 Enjoy your holiday and don't forget to send me postcard.
3 What is name of this village?
4 Canada is very big country.
5 What is largest city in Canada?
6 I like this room but I don't like colour of carpet.
7 'Are you OK?' 'No, I've got headache.'
8 We live in old house near station.
9 What is name of director of film we saw last night?