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Grammar Basics: Unit 74 – The ~ (place name) (Solution)

Posted on 2013/05/03
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Exercise. Answer the geography questions, using names from the box. Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

______ is the capital of Denmark. (Copenhagen) ==> Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark.
______ are near Indonesia. (Philippines) ==> The Philippines are near Indonesia.

(Click to enlarge)

(Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

1. The Rockies are mountains in North America.
2. The Rhine is a river in Europe.
3. The Gulf of Mexico is on the west coast of Florida.
4. Canada is the largest country in the Americas.
5. The Canary Islands lie off the coast of Africa.
6. Germany is a country in Europe.
7. The Mediterranean is a sea between Europe and Africa.
8. China is a large country in Asia.
9. The United States is Canada’s neighbor.
10. Rome is the capital of Italy.
11. The Atlantic separates North America and Europe.
12. Lima is the capital of Peru.
13. The Amazon is a river in South America.
14. The Pacific is the largest ocean.
15. Angola is a country in Africa.

Exercise. Look at the following sentences. Insert “the” if it is needed. If “the” is not necessary, write “OK.”

Example:

The sun rises in ______ east and sets in ______ west. ==> The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Mr. Smith’s shop is on ______ Main Street. ==> OK.

1. Can you tell me how to get to the Guggenheim Museum?
2. Do you know if the Showtime Theater is open on Christmas?
3. The National Theatre is also known as “Theatre of the Presidents.”
4. Mark Twain wrote a memoir called Life on the Mississippi.
5. Once a year, Aunt Karen went shopping on Park Avenue.  ==> OK.
6. The University of Chicago is not too far from the Museum of Science and Industry.
7. The twins had their picture taken in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
8. I think this train will take you to Union Station. ==> OK.
9. France gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States in commemoration of America’s Declaration of Independence.
10. It took the United States a decade to complete the Panama Canal.
11. The St. Lawrence Seaway allows boats to travel from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
12. People visit Central Park in New York to relax and enjoy some green space. ==> OK.
13. There are over 1700 islands in the Florida Keys.
14. The Chicago White Sox no longer play in Comiskey Park. ==> OK.
15. Many people were put into the Tower of London to await execution.
16. The stone statues on Easter Island are over 500 years old. ==> OK.
17. The Erie Canal was officially opened in 1825.
18. Princeton University was originally established to train men for Christian ministry. ==> OK.
19. The Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world.
20. Old Faithful is a popular attraction at Yosemite National Park in Wyoming. ==> OK.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 74 – The ~ (place name)

Posted on 2013/05/02
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Place names may or may not use “the”: Sometimes they use “the,” sometimes they do not.

Place names that Do NOT use “the”:

General place names – continents, countries, states, islands, cities, etc.:

Egypt is located in Africa. (not The Egypt…the Africa)
Paris is the capital of France. (not The Paris…the France)
We visited New York in April. (not the New York)
Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic. (not The Iceland)

Places in towns – streets, squares, buildings, airports, stations, universities, parks, etc.:

Mr. Smith’s shop is on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. (not the Michigan Avenue)
Jackie’s dream is to be at Times Square in New York for New Year’s Eve. (not the Times Square)
And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street was Dr. Seuss’s first children’s book. (not the Mulberry Street)
Does this train line go to O’Hare Airport? (not the O’Hare Airport)
James wants to go to Northwestern University. (not the Northwestern University)
We’re planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park. (not the Yellowstone National Park)

Note: We have the following exceptions to the above situations.
Place Names that DO use “the”:

Country names with republic / states / kingdom:

The new symphony conductor comes from the Czech Republic.
What is the capital of the United States of America?
The Kingdom of Norway became independent from Sweden in 1905.

Plural place names – the –s:

General MacArthur’s son was born in the Philippines.
Mother would like to visit the Hawaiian Islands someday.
Anne Frank and her family escaped to the Netherlands as the Nazis came to power in Germany.
The Matterhorn is one of the highest peaks in the Swiss Alps.

Oceans, rivers, seas, canals, channels:

The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic.
The Vikings crossed the North Sea, eventually making it to Greenland and Nova Scotia.
Agatha Christie’s book Death on the Nile was made into a movie in 1978.
The Suez Canal was opened in 1869.
Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim across the English Channel.

Names of hotels, restaurants, theaters, museums, monuments, etc.:

We stayed at the Breakers Hotel on our honeymoon.
Father took Mother out to eat at the Pepper Mill for Mother’s Day.
Have you ever been to a performance at the Lyric Opera?
Uncle Jack dropped the kids off at the Multiplex for a matinee show while he practiced at the driving range.
Are you coming along on next month’s excursion to the Art Institute?
When I was a child, we could climb the stairs of the Washington Monument.

Place names with the pattern “the … of …”:

My favorite museum is the Museum of Science and Industry.
The University of Wisconsin has a number of campuses throughout the state.
John and Mary visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa on their trip to Italy.
How long is the Great Wall of China?

Points of compass – the north, the south, the east, the west:

The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

Exercise. Answer the geography questions, using names from the box. Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

______ is the capital of Denmark. (Copenhagen) ==> Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark.
______ are near Indonesia. (Philippines) ==> The Philippines are near Indonesia.

world map-scaled

(Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

Amazon Angola Atlantic
Canada Canary Islands China
Germany Gulf of Mexico Lima
Mediterranean Pacific Rhine
Rockies Rome United States

 

1. ______ are mountains in North America.
2. ______ is a river in Europe.
3. ______ is on the west coast of Florida.
4. ______ is the largest country in the Americas.
5. ______ lie off the coast of Africa.
6. ______ is a country in Europe.
7. ______ is a sea between Europe and Africa.
8. ______ is a large country in Asia.
9. ______ is Canada’s neighbor.
10. ______ is the capital of Italy.
11. ______ separates North America and Europe.
12. ______ is the capital of Peru.
13. ______ is a river in South America.
14. ______ is the largest ocean.
15. ______ is a country in Africa.

Exercise. Look at the following sentences. Insert “the” if it is needed. If “the” is not necessary, write “OK.”

Example:

The sun rises in ______ east and sets in ______ west. ==> The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Mr. Smith’s shop is on ______ Main Street. ==> OK.

1. Can you tell me how to get to ______ Guggenheim Museum?
2. Do you know if ______ Showtime Theater is open on Christmas?
3. ______ National Theatre is also known as “Theatre of the Presidents.”
4. Mark Twain wrote a memoir called Life on ______ Mississippi.
5. Once a year, Aunt Karen went shopping on ______ Park Avenue.
6. ______ University of Chicago is not too far from ______ Museum of Science and Industry.
7. The twins had their picture taken in front of ______ Lincoln Memorial.
8. I think this train will take you to ______ Union Station.
9. France gave ______ Statue of Liberty to ______ United States in commemoration of America’s Declaration of Independence.
10. It took ______ United States a decade to complete ______ Panama Canal.
11. ______ St. Lawrence Seaway allows boats to travel from ______ Great Lakes to ______ Atlantic Ocean.
12. People visit ______ Central Park in ______ New York to relax and enjoy some green space.
13. There are over 1700 islands in ______ Florida Keys.
14. The Chicago White Sox no longer play in ______ Comiskey Park.
15. Many people were put into ______ Tower of London to await execution.
16. The stone statues on ______ Easter Island are over 500 years old.
17. ______ Erie Canal was officially opened in 1825.
18. ______ Princeton University was originally established to train men for Christian ministry.
19. ______ Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world.
20. ______ Old Faithful is a popular attraction at ______ Yosemite National Park in ______ Wyoming.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 73 – I like ~, I hate ~ (Solution)

Posted on 2013/05/01
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Exercise. Look at the following sentences. Insert “the” if it is needed. If “the” is not necessary, write “OK.”

Example:

I hope we have ______ good weather for our picnic. ==> OK.
Did you feed ______ dogs last night? ==> Did you feed the dogs last night?

1. All’s fair in love and war. ==> OK.
2. By the time everyone was seated, the tea had grown cold.
3. Let me know when the water comes to a boil.
4. Mr. Brown encourages his children to study music. ==> OK.
5. Jack has mastered the art of cake decorating.
6. Do you think fish would make good pets? ==> OK.
7. I think the milk has turned sour.
8. Mary likes the sound of rain on the roof.
9. Sometimes life is not fair. ==> OK.
10. Father gave Mother flowers for Valentine’s Day. ==> OK.
11. Some people think it’s wrong to wear fur. ==> OK.
12. Sam spent three years studying the history of the northern fishing villages.
13. Older people are often uncomfortable using computers. ==> OK.
14. How long have you been studying English? ==> OK.
15. Wear a smock – working with paint can be messy. ==> OK.
16. Sand is used to make glass. ==> OK.
17. As soon as the oven is hot enough, put the bread in to bake.
18. Who introduced silk to Europe? ==> OK.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 73 – I like ~, I hate ~

Posted on 2013/04/30
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There are some situations where we do NOT use “the”:

Do not use “the” for general ideas:

I like apples, but I don’t like pears. (not the apples…the pears)
Life is short, so eat dessert first. (not The life…the dessert)
Cats make good pets. (not The cats…the good pets)
Variety is the spice of life. (not The variety…the life)
Sweets are not good for you. (not The sweets)
Writing with chalk is messy. (not the chalk)
Boys have lots of energy. (not The boys…the energy)

Do not use “the” for games or sports:

Do you want to play tennis? (not the tennis)
Jack likes baseball and football. (not the baseball…the football)
My favorite sports are skiing and swimming. (not the skiing…the swimming)

Do not use “the” for languages or academic subjects:

Douglas does well in science, especially physics. (not the science…the physics)
I teach math, usually algebra and trigonometry. (not the math…the algebra…the trigonometry)
Uncle Paul speaks French and German, but not Spanish. (not the French…the German…the Spanish)

Note: Sometimes “the” might be needed in one context and not in another.

Look at the following examples:

  But:
I hate exams.

(exams in general – any exam)

 The exams I took on Monday were easy.

(specific exams – those on Monday)
I enjoy winter weather.

(weather in general – any weather in the winter season)

 Do you know what the weather is supposed to be like tomorrow?

(specific weather – tomorrow’s weather)
It used to be that Catholics didn’t eat meat on Fridays.

(meat in general – any meat)

 The meat was cooked to perfection.

(specific meat – the meat I ate)
I listen to music when I exercise.

(music in general – any music)

 The music is too loud – could you please turn it down?

(specific music – the music that is playing now)

Exercise. Look at the following sentences. Insert “the” if it is needed. If “the” is not necessary, write “OK.”

Example:

I hope we have ______ good weather for our picnic. ==> OK.
Did you feed ______ dogs last night? ==> Did you feed the dogs last night?

1. All’s fair in ______ love and ______ war.
2. By the time everyone was seated, ______ tea had grown cold.
3. Let me know when ______ water comes to a boil.
4. Mr. Brown encourages his children to study ______ music.
5. Jack has mastered ______ art of cake decorating.
6. Do you think ______ fish would make good pets?
7. I think ______ milk has turned sour.
8. Mary likes ______ sound of ______ rain on the roof.
9. Sometimes ______ life is not fair.
10. Father gave Mother ______ flowers for Valentine’s Day.
11. Some people think it’s wrong to wear ______ fur.
12. Sam spent three years studying ______ history of the northern fishing villages.
13. Older people are often uncomfortable using ______ computers.
14. How long have you been studying ______ English?
15. Wear a smock – working with ______ paint can be messy.
16. ______ sand is used to make ______ glass.
17. As soon as the oven is hot enough, put ______ bread in to bake.
18. Who introduced ______ silk to Europe?

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Grammar Basics: Unit 72 – Articles: go to work, go home, go to the movies (Solution)

Posted on 2013/04/26
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Exercise. Look at the pictures and complete the following sentences. Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

He’s in ______. ==> He’s in church.

He’s in ______. ==> He’s in church.

 

 

 

 

 

1. She’s in bed.

1. She’s in bed.

2. They’re at the movies.

2. They’re at the movies.

3. He’s in prison.

3. He’s in prison.

4. She’s in the hospital.

4. She’s in the hospital.

5. He’s at the airport.

5. He’s at the airport.

6. He’s at home.

6. He’s at home.

 

Exercise. Choose words from the list to complete the following sentences. Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

Harry is studying chemistry in ______. (college) ==> Harry is studying chemistry in college.

1. Before we went on vacation, Father went to the bank to pick up some traveler’s checks.
2. Greg has to go to the doctor for a sports physical.
3. We’re going to have a company picnic at work this summer.
4. Instead of a big birthday party, Joan wanted to go to the movies with a few good friends.
5. Aren’t you going home? It’s nearly midnight.
6. Jack has the flu, so Mother told him to stay in bed and rest.
7. You’ll have to go to the post office to mail that package.
8. Martha had to go to school to pick up Jeremy. The school nurse said he’s come down with the chicken pox.
9. The punishment for that crime is five years in prison.
10. It’s about time you went to the dentist and had him take a look at that toothache.

Exercise. Complete the sentences, using the verb “go.” Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

If you want to study medicine, you ______. ==> If you want to study medicine, you go to college.

1. If you don’t want to stay at a party, you go home.
2. If you have appendicitis, you go to the hospital.
3. If you need to take a flight, you go to the airport.
4. If you are sick, you go to the doctor.
5. If you need to catch a train, you go to the station.
6. If you want to see a film, you go to the movies.
7. If you want to worship, you go to church.
8. If you have a toothache, you go to the dentist.
9. If you want to see a play, you go to the theater.
10. If you commit a crime, you go to jail.
11. If you have a job, you go to work.
12. If you are tired, you go to bed.
13. If you are a child, you go to school.
14. If you want to get an advanced degree, you go to college.
15. If you want to mail a letter, you go to the post office.
16. If you need some cash, you go to the bank.

Exercise. For the following sentences, write “the” where necessary. If the sentence needs no correction, write “OK.”

Example:

John went to movies on Saturday. ==> John went to the movies on Saturday.
Father served Mother with breakfast in bed. ==> OK.

1. Jack and Jill were married in church. ==> OK.
2. Grandmother took Grandfather to the doctor for his blood test.
3. The children are putting on a Thanksgiving play at school next week. ==> OK.
4. Helen has to go to the dentist for her six-month checkup.
5. Could you take this parcel to the post office for me?
6. Which bus goes to the airport?
7. I’ll go to the station and pick you up when your train comes in. Just give me a call.
8. Are you still in bed? It’s nearly 10 a.m. ==> OK.
9. I think I hear your mother calling you. You’d better go home now. ==> OK.
10. Uncle Steve broke his arm and had to go to the hospital.
11. Do you want to go out for a drink when you finish work? ==> OK.
12. We went to the theater for the opening of Julius’ new play.
13. I didn’t know that Uncle Clyde spent time in prison. ==> OK.
14. We go to the bank every payday and get some cash.
15. I don’t go to the movies much anymore.
16. George studied hard in college. ==> OK.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 72 – Articles: go to work, go home, go to the movies

Posted on 2013/04/25
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We’re going to look at some set phrases. Some of these phrases need the definite article “the,” and others do not use “the.”

The following phrases do NOT use the definite article “the”:

(go) to work, (be) at work, start work, finish work:

Father went to work early because he had so much to do.  (not to the work)
What time do you finish work?  (not finish the work)

(go) to school, (be) at school, (be) in school, start school, finish school, etc.:

John is having trouble at school.  (not at the school)
What did you learn in school today?  (not in the school)
The twins enjoy school.  (not the school)

(go) to college, (be) in college:

Marcus is planning to go to college after he graduates from high school.  (not to the college)
Shirley studied biology in college.  (not in the college)

(go) to prison/jail, (be) in prison/jail:

The judge sentenced the thief to five years in prison.  (not in the prison)
Tom was arrested for driving under the influence, and had to spend the night in jail.  (not in the jail)

(go) to church, (be) in/at church:

Charles hasn’t gone to church in ages.  (not gone to the church)

(go) to bed, (be) in bed:

“Are the children all in bed?  For it’s now eight o’clock.”  (not in the bed)
Mother wasn’t feeling well, so she went to bed early.  (not went to the bed)

(go) home, (be) (at) home, etc.:

It’s late.  Let’s go home.  (not go to the home)
Janice likes to spend quiet evenings at home.  (not at the home)

The following phrases DO use the definite article “the”:

(go to) the bank / the post office / the hospital / the station / the airport:

I have to go to the bank and make a deposit.
James went to the post office and bought a roll of stamps.
Uncle Mark had appendicitis, and had to go to the hospital.
Father’s coming  home from his business trip, so Mother went to the station to pick him up.
We went to the airport early, and wound up waiting three hours for our flight.

(go to) the theater / the movies:

Jack and Jill go to the movies every Friday for date night.

(go to) the doctor, the dentist:

I have a horrible stomach ache.  Do you suppose I should go to the doctor?
Mary broke her tooth eating some nuts, and had to go to the dentist.

Exercise.  Look at the pictures and complete the following sentences.  Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

He’s in ______. ==> He’s in church.

He’s in ______. ==> He’s in church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. She’s in ______.

1. She’s in ______.
2. They’re at ______.

2. They’re at ______.

3. He’s in ______.

3. He’s in ______.

4. She’s in ______.

4. She’s in ______.

5. He’s at ______.

5. He’s at ______.
6. He’s at ______.

6. He’s at ______.

 

Exercise.  Choose words from the list to complete the following sentences.  Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

Harry is studying chemistry in ______.  (college)  ==>  Harry is studying chemistry in college.

bank bed dentist doctor home
movies post office prison school work

1.    Before we went on vacation, Father went to ______ to pick up some traveler’s checks.
2.    Greg has to go to ______ for a sports physical.
3.    We’re going to have a company picnic at ______ this summer.
4.    Instead of a big birthday party, Joan wanted to go to ______ with a few good friends.
5.    Aren’t you going ______?  It’s nearly midnight.
6.    Jack has the flu, so Mother told him to stay in ______ and rest.
7.    You’ll have to go to ______ to mail that package.
8.    Martha had to go to ______ to pick up Jeremy.  The school nurse said he’s come down with the chicken pox.
9.    The punishment for that crime is five years in ______.
10.    It’s about time you went to ______ and had him take a look at that toothache.

Exercise.  Complete the sentences, using the verb “go.”  Use “the” if necessary.

Example:

If you want to study medicine, you ______.  ==>  If you want to study medicine, you go to college.

1.    If you don’t want to stay at a party, you ______.
2.    If you have appendicitis, you ______.
3.    If you need to take a flight, you ______.
4.    If you are sick, you ______.
5.    If you need to catch a train, you ______.
6.    If you want to see a film, you ______.
7.    If you want to worship, you ______.
8.    If you have a toothache, you ______.
9.    If you want to see a play, you ______.
10.    If you commit a crime, you ______.
11.    If you have a job, you ______.
12.    If you are tired, you ______.
13.    If you are a child, you ______.
14.    If you want to get an advanced degree, you ______.
15.    If you want to mail a letter, you ______.
16.    If you need some cash, you ______.

Exercise.  For the following sentences, write “the” where necessary.  If the sentence needs no correction, write “OK.”

Example:

John went to movies on Saturday.  ==> John went to the movies on Saturday.
Father served Mother with breakfast in bed.  ==>  OK.

1.    Jack and Jill were married in church.
2.    Grandmother took Grandfather to doctor for his blood test.
3.    The children are putting on a Thanksgiving play at school next week.
4.    Helen has to go to dentist for her six-month checkup.
5.    Could you take this parcel to post office for me?
6.    Which bus goes to airport?
7.    I’ll go to station and pick you up when your train comes in.  Just give me a call.
8.    Are you still in bed?  It’s nearly 10 a.m.
9.    I think I hear your mother calling you.  You’d better go home now.
10.    Uncle Steve broke his arm and had to go to hospital.
11.    Do you want to go out for a drink when you finish work?
12.    We went to theater for the opening of Julius’ new play.
13.    I didn’t know that Uncle Clyde spent time in prison.
14.    We go to bank every payday and get some cash.
15.    I don’t go to movies much anymore.
16.    George studied hard in college.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 71 – Articles: The (Solution)

Posted on 2013/04/24
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Exercise.  Write “the” where necessary.  If “the” is not needed, write “OK.”

Example:

How far is it to library?  ==>  How far is it to the library?
My birthday was last week.  ==>  OK.

1.    If you are involved in a serious car accident, you should call the police.
2.    We didn’t have much snow last winter. ==>  OK.
3.    Mary has been playing the flute since she was in high school.
4.    Please turn down the radio – it’s too loud for me.
5.    Mr. Jones took his secretaries out to lunch last week for Secretaries’ Day. ==>  OK.
6.    Tom prefers to take the subway to work.
7.    Mars is nearly 228 million km from the sun.
8.    Mother is busy cooking dinner. ==>  OK.
9.    I’m bored – there are no good programs on television. ==>  OK.
10.    The students in the 10 o’clock class had the same test as those in the 8 o’clock class.
11.    The Browns are going camping in the mountains.
12.    Bill and Bob had complimentary tickets to the last basketball game of the season.
13.    When you take a photograph, you should not put your subject in the middle of the picture.
14.    Mark has to study for his English test next week. ==>  OK.
15.    Jack and Jill have a farm out in the country.

Exercise.  Complete the following sentences.  Use “the same” with one of the words in the box.

Example:

Steve and John are twins.  They were born on ______. (day)  ==>  Steve and John are twins.  They were born on the same day.

1.    Mr. Smith takes the 7:45 train into the city.  Mr. Brown takes the 7:45 train into the city.  They take the same train.
2.    Susan is reading “Call of the Wild.”  Maggie is reading “Call of the Wild.”  Susan and Maggie are reading the same book.
3.    I arrived at school at 8 o’clock.  James arrived at school at 8 o’clock.  We arrived at the same time.
4.    Mack enjoys biking.  Sam enjoys biking.  Mack and Sam enjoy the same sport.
5.    I watched the movie “Casablanca.”  Edward watched the movie “Casablanca.”  We watched the same movie.

Exercise.  Look at the following pictures and complete the sentences, using “the” if necessary.

Example:

We have a cabin in ______. (forest) ==> We have a cabin in the forest.

We have a cabin in ______. (forest)
==> We have a cabin in the forest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. She’s playing the flute.

1. She’s playing the flute.

2. They’re having dinner.

2. They’re having dinner.

3. They’re watching TV.

3. They’re watching TV.

4. The sun is setting.

4. The sun is setting.

5. He’s surfing in the ocean.

5. He’s surfing in the ocean.

6. She’s studying at the library.

6. She’s studying at the library.

 

Exercise.  Complete the following sentences.  Choose a word from the list, using “the” if necessary.

Example:

Father and Mother went out for ______ to celebrate their anniversary. (dinner)  ==>  Father and Mother went out for dinner to celebrate their anniversary.

1.    In the beginning of “The Wizard of Oz”, Dorothy runs away so Miss Gulch will not take Toto away.
2.    What is the name of your puppy?
3.    Tell me about the time you lost your dog.
4.    Mark listens to the radio when he exercises.
5.    Astronauts landed on the moon in 1969.
6.    Paris is the capital of France.
7.    The bank manager notified the police of the attempted robbery.
8.    The doctor’s office is on the fifth floor.
9.    Tom joined the Navy so he could see the world.
10.    Our family reunion was in Texas last summer.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 71 – Articles: The

Posted on 2013/04/23
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The definite article “the” is used in a number of different situations:

We use “the” when it is clear which person, place, or thing is meant.

The telephone was invented in 1876.   (It is clear which invention we are talking about.)
We’d better get back to work – the boss is coming.  (There is only one boss.)
Pardon me, but do you have the time?  (= the time now)
Don’t forget to turn on the dishwasher before you leave for work.  (We have only one dishwasher.)

We use “the” in the phrase “the same ____”:

Helen and Marlene had the same kind of dress. (not had same kind of dress)
This is the same movie that the Watsons told us about.  (not is same movie)
Is this accounting course different than the one in the catalog? —No, they’re the same. (not they’re same)

We use “the” in the following phrases:
the sun / the moon / the world / the sky / the ocean / the sea / the country:

The sun is really a big star.
Wolves howl at the moon.
The sky was filled with colorful fireworks.
We’re going to vacation at the ocean this year.

the police:

By the time the police arrived, the suspect had already fled the scene.

the top / the bottom / the beginning / the end / the middle / the left / the right, etc.:

There is a box of biscuits on the top of the refrigerator.
Look at the question at the bottom of page 3.
Jack is standing on the left in that picture.

play the piano / the guitar / the violin / the clarinet, etc.:

Susannah is learning to play the guitar.
Mark is good at playing the trumpet.
I wish I had learned how to play the violin when I was younger.

the radio:

Keith listens to the radio when he drives to and from work.

Note:  There are certain situations where “the” is NOT used!

television / TV:  

Kids nowadays watch too much TV.  (not the too much TV)
But:  Turn off the TV if you’re not going to watch it.  (= the TV set)

breakfast / lunch / dinner:

Jack was too sick to eat breakfast.  (not the breakfast)
Let’s meet for lunch sometime.  (not the lunch)
Don’t eat a snack – it’ll be time for dinner soon.  (not the dinner)

Next / last + week / month / year / spring, etc. / Sunday, etc.:

We are going to have a test next week.  (not the next week)
Last summer Grandmother came to visit us.  (not the last summer)
Jim’s having a party next Saturday – are you going?  (not the next Saturday)

Exercise.  Write “the” where necessary.  If “the” is not needed, write “OK.”

Example:

How far is it to library?  ==>  How far is it to the library?
My birthday was last week.  ==>  OK.

1.    If you are involved in a serious car accident, you should call police.
2.    We didn’t have much snow last winter.
3.    Mary has been playing flute since she was in high school.
4.    Please turn down radio – it’s too loud for me.
5.    Mr. Jones took his secretaries out to lunch last week for Secretaries’ Day.
6.    Tom prefers to take subway to work.
7.    Mars is nearly 228 million km from sun.
8.    Mother is busy cooking dinner.
9.    I’m bored – there are no good programs on television.
10.    The students in the 10 o’clock class had same test as those in the 8 o’clock class.
11.    The Browns are going camping in mountains.
12.    Bill and Bob had complimentary tickets to last basketball game of the season.
13.    When you take a photograph, you should not put your subject in middle of the picture.
14.    Mark has to study for his English test next week.
15.    Jack and Jill have a farm out in country.

Exercise.  Complete the following sentences.  Use “the same” with one of the words in the box.

Example:

Steve and John are twins.  They were born on ______. (day)  ==>  Steve and John are twins.  They were born on the same day.

book movie sport time train

 

1.    Mr. Smith takes the 7:45 train into the city.  Mr. Brown takes the 7:45 train into the city.  They take ______.
2.    Susan is reading “Call of the Wild.”  Maggie is reading “Call of the Wild.”  Susan and Maggie are reading ______.
3.    I arrived at school at 8 o’clock.  James arrived at school at 8 o’clock.  We arrived at ______.
4.    Mack enjoys biking.  Sam enjoys biking.  Mack and Sam enjoy ______.
5.    I watched the movie “Casablanca.”  Edward watched the movie “Casablanca.”  We watched ______.

Exercise.  Look at the following pictures and complete the sentences, using “the” if necessary.

Example:

We have a cabin in ______. (forest) ==> We have a cabin in the forest.

We have a cabin in ______. (forest)
==> We have a cabin in the forest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

dinner flute library
ocean sun TV

 

1. She’s playing ______.

1. She’s playing ______.

2. They’re having ______.

2. They’re having ______.

3. They’re watching ______.

3. They’re watching ______.

4. ______ is setting.

4. ______ is setting.

5. He’s surfing in ______.

5. He’s surfing in ______.

6. She’s studying at ______.

6. She’s studying at ______.

 

Exercise.  Complete the following sentences.  Choose a word from the list, using “the” if necessary.

Example:

Father and Mother went out for ______ to celebrate their anniversary. (dinner)  ==>  Father and Mother went out for dinner to celebrate their anniversary.

beginning capital fifth floor last summer moon
name police radio time world

1.    In ______ of “The Wizard of Oz”, Dorothy runs away so Miss Gulch will not take Toto away.
2.    What is ______ of your puppy?
3.    Tell me about ______ you lost your dog.
4.    Mark listens to ______ when he exercises.
5.    Astronauts landed on ______ in 1969.
6.    Paris is ______ of France.
7.    The bank manager notified ______ of the attempted robbery.
8.    The doctor’s office is on ______.
9.    Tom joined the Navy so he could see ______.
10.    Our family reunion was in Texas ______.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 70 – Articles: A/An and The (Solution)

Posted on 2013/04/19
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Exercise.  Write a/an or the.

Example:

Take ______ piece of paper and write your name at ______ top.  ==> Take a piece of paper and write your name at the top.

1.    For our vacation we took a plane to Florida and stayed at Disneyworld.   The hotel was very comfortable.
2.    You ought to exercise for an hour every day.
3.    I picked up a pair of cowboy boots and three books at a garage sale.  The boots were like brand new, but the books were practically antique.
4.    Mother forgot to bring the can opener on our camping trip, so we had to buy a new one.
5.    I put a bandage over the cut on my leg.
6.    The children always imagine that a monster hides under the bed at night.
7.    Do you have a pencil I could borrow?  The lead in mine broke.
8.    Jack is planning to take a course in accounting at the local college in the spring.
9.    The garbage truck had a flat tire.
10.    The strong wind blew down an old tree down the street in our neighborhood.

Exercise.  Complete the sentences.  Use a or the with one of the words below.

Example:

Father and Susan are flying ______ down on the beach. (kite) ==> Father and Susan are flying a kite down on the beach.

Father and Susan are flying ______ down on the beach. (kite) ==> Father and Susan are flying a kite down on the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Father is mowing the lawn.

1. Father is mowing the lawn.

2. Could you tell me how to get to the airport?

2. Could you tell me how to get to the airport?

3. Could you please close the curtains?

3. Could you please close the curtains?

4. Teacher, I have a question.

4. Teacher, I have a question.

5. Every morning I read the newspaper at breakfast.

5. Every morning I read the newspaper at breakfast.

6. We’d like to order a salad, please.

6. We’d like to order a salad, please.

 

Exercise.  Write a/an or the where necessary.

Example:

Could you please turn down radio?  ==> Could you please turn down the radio?

1.    We went to the beach every day on vacation.
2.    I took the train into the city.
3.    Do you know how far the museum is from the library?
4.    New York is the largest city in the United States.
5.    What is the largest country in the world?
6.    Mother is in the kitchen baking a cake.
7.    I thought the bed at the hotel was uncomfortable.
8.    It is a five-minute walk from the train station to the bus stop.
9.    We need to replace the doorknob on the front door.
10.    Do you remember the name of the author of that book?

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Grammar Basics: Unit 70 – Articles: A/An and The

Posted on 2013/04/18
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The words “a/an” and “the” are called articles.  They come before nouns.  If there are any adjectives describing the noun, the articles come before the adjectives:

Pattern: indefinite article:  a/an + (adjective/s) + N
or
definite article:  the + (adjective/s) + N

The trick is knowing when to use the indefinite article a/an, and when to use the definite article the.

Use the indefinite article a/an when you are speaking about one of many:

Examples:

Pick up a loaf of bread from the bakery on your way home. (There are several loaves of bread at the bakery, but we are only getting one.)
I have a bicycle.  (There are many bikes, and I have one.)
Uncle John got a new camera for his birthday.  (There were many cameras at the store.)
Do you know if there’s a gas station nearby?  (There are many gas stations.  Is there one near here?)
Michigan is a beautiful state.  (There are fifty states, but I’m talking about one of them.)
Mr. Smith is a teacher.  (There are many teachers, and Mr. Smith is one.)

Use the definite article the when you are speaking about only one thing, a specific thing:

Examples:

The bread was freshly baked.  (= the bread from the bakery)
I had to get a new tire for the bicycle.  (= for my bicycle)
The camera has a good lens.  (= Uncle John’s new camera)
The gas station is about five blocks from here.  (= the closest one)
The state of Michigan borders three great lakes.  (= a specific state)
Mr. Smith is the math teacher.  (There is only one math teacher.)

Note:  When we introduce a thing, we use “a.”  After it’s been introduced, we use “the”:

I ordered a soup and a salad for lunch.  (introducing “soup” and “salad”)
The soup was delicious, but the salad was not fresh. (we have already been introduced to “soup” and “salad”: “soup” and “salad” are specific – the ones I ordered.)

Note:  We also use “the” when it is clear which person or thing is being referred to.

The door, the floor, the ceiling, the light, etc. (of a room)
The kitchen, the bathroom, the basement, etc. (of a house)
The bank, the post office, the library, the train station, etc. (of a city)

 

Examples:

Please close the door.  (= the door of the room we are in)
Mother is in the basement washing clothes. (= the basement of the house we are in)
Do you know if the library is open today?  (= the library of our town)
If you don’t behave, you’ll get sent to the principal.  (= the principal of our school)

Exercise.  Write a/an or the.

Example:

Take ______ piece of paper and write your name at ______ top.  ==> Take a piece of paper and write your name at the top.

1.    For our vacation we took ______ plane to Florida and stayed at Disneyworld.   ______ hotel was very comfortable.
2.    You ought to exercise for ______ hour every day.
3.    I picked up ______ pair of cowboy boots and three books at a garage sale.  ______ boots were like brand new, but ______ books were practically antique.
4.    Mother forgot to bring ______ can opener on our camping trip, so we had to buy ______ new one.
5.    I put ______ bandage over ______ cut on my leg.
6.    ______ children always imagine that ______ monster hides under ______ bed at night.
7.    Do you have ______ pencil I could borrow?  ______ lead in mine broke.
8.    Jack is planning to take ______ course in accounting at ______ local college in ______ spring.
9.    ______ garbage truck had ______ flat tire.
10.    ______ strong wind blew down ______ old tree down ______ street in our neighborhood.

Exercise.  Complete the sentences.  Use a or the with one of the words below.

Example:

Father and Susan are flying ______ down on the beach. (kite) ==> Father and Susan are flying a kite down on the beach.

Father and Susan are flying ______ down on the beach. (kite) ==> Father and Susan are flying a kite down on the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

airport curtains lawn
newspaper question salad

 

1. Father is mowing ______.

1. Father is mowing ______.

2. Could you tell me how to get to ______?

2. Could you tell me how to get to ______?

3. Could you please close ______?

3. Could you please close ______?

4. Teacher, I have ______.

4. Teacher, I have ______.

5. Every morning I read ______ at breakfast.

5. Every morning I read ______ at breakfast.

6. We’d like to order ______, please.

6. We’d like to order ______, please.

 

Exercise.  Write a/an or the where necessary.

Example:

Could you please turn down radio?  ==> Could you please turn down the radio?

1.    We went to beach every day on vacation.
2.    I took train into city.
3.    Do you know how far museum is from library?
4.    New York is largest city in United States.
5.    What is largest country in world?
6.    Mother is in kitchen baking cake.
7.    I thought bed at hotel was uncomfortable.
8.    It is five-minute walk from train station to bus stop.
9.    We need to replace doorknob on front door.
10.    Do you remember name of author of that book?

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