Articles and modals
Download as PPTX, PDF3 likes5,983 views
The document explains the concepts of articles and modal verbs in English grammar. It details the functions and rules for using the indefinite article ('a' or 'an') and the definite article ('the'), along with their specific applications. Additionally, it introduces modal verbs, highlighting their role in expressing permission, possibility, certainty, and necessity.
Articles and modals
- 1. Prince Saini CLASS- VII ‘A’ ROLL.NO- 18 SUBJECT- English TOPIC- Articles & Modals
- 2. ARTICLES The words a or an and the are called Articles. There are two types of articles:- (a) A (or An) (b) The A or An is called the Indefinite Article, because it usually leaves indefinite the person or thing spoken of; as, A doctor; that is, any doctor.
- 3. articles The is called the Definite Article, because it normally points out some particular person or thing; as, He saw the doctor; meaning some particular doctor. The indefinite article is used before singular countable nouns, e.g., A book, An orange, A girl. The definite article is used before singular countable nouns, plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns, e.g., The book, The books, The milk.
- 4. Articles-‘a’ or ‘an’ Use of ‘A’ :- ‘A’ is used before a singular countable noun that starts with a consonant sound, e.g., A pen, A book, A bag. Use of ‘An’ :- ‘An’ is used before a singular countable noun that starts with a vowel sound, e.g., An umbrella, An hour, An honorary degree. Some native speakers use an before words beginning with h if the first syllable is not stressed, e.g., An hotel, An historical novel.
- 5. The Definite Article the is used- (1) When we talk about a particular person or thing, or one already referred to (that is, when it is clear from the context which one we mean); as, The book you want is out of print.(Which one? The one you want) (2) When a singular noun is meant to represent a whole class; as, The cow is useful animal.(Or we may say “Cows are useful animals.”) (3)Before some proper names, viz., these kinds of place names: Oceans and seas, e.g., the Pacific, the Black Sea (4) Before the names of certain books; as, The Vedas, the Puranas, the lliad, the Ramayana. (5) Before names of things unique of their kind; as, The sun, the sky, the ocean, the sea, the earth. to be continued.......... Articles-’The’
- 6. Articles-’The’ The Definite Article the is used- (6) Before a Proper noun when it is qualified by an adjective or a defining adjectival clause; as, The great Caesar : the immortal Shakespeare (7) With Superlatives; as, The darkest cloud has a silver lining (8) With ordinals; as, He was the first man to arrive. (9) Before musical instruments; as, He can play the flute. (10) Before an adjective when the noun is understood; as, The poor are always with us. (11) Before a noun (with emphasis) to give the force of a Superlative; as, The verb is the word (= the chief word) in a sentence. (12) As an Adverb with Comparatives; as, The more the merrier.
- 7. Modals The verbs can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must and ought to called modal verbs or modals. They are used before ordinary verbs and express meanings such as permission, possibility, certainty and necessity. Need and dare can sometimes be used like modal verbs. Modals are often included in the group of auxiliaries. In some grammars they are called “modal auxiliaries”. • The modals can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must and ought to are termed Defective Verbs, because some parts are wanting in them. They have no –s in the third person singular; they have no –ing and ed forms