A Coffee, the Machine, Some Patience — Articles
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A Coffee, the Machine, Some Patience
As a barista at Merivale in Sydney, I made roughly 180 coffees per shift. Every order began with an article: a flat white, the one I ordered, some milk. I didn’t study articles — I absorbed them through 180 repetitions a day. But most learners don’t have that luxury. So let’s cut to the rule.
Articles: a / an / the / Ø (no article)
a/an = one of many, first mention, non-specific
the = specific, both speaker and listener know which one
Ø = plural/uncountable generalisations, proper nouns, meals
I ordered a coffee. → any coffee, first time we mention it
The coffee was cold. → we know which one now
Coffee is popular in France. → Ø = coffee in general
1. I saw a dog in the park. The dog was barking.
2. Can I have a glass of water?
3. Ø Water is essential for life.
4. I’m going to the hospital. (specific, we know which)
Fill the gap: a / an / the / Ø
1. She is ___ English teacher. an (vowel sound: ‘English’ starts with /ɛ/)
2. I love ___ music. ___ music in this café is beautiful. Ø (general) / The (specific — this café’s music)
3. He went to ___ school and then ___ university. Ø school, Ø university — institutions used in their purpose don’t take articles (British English).
Independent project; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification.
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