There are three windows here a window = window 1 or 2 or 3.
There is only one window here - the window.
- 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
- 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 that I bought)
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 center / the station / the airport / the town hall etc. (of a town)
O Where's Tom? In the kitchen. (= the kitchen of this house or flat)
O Turn off the light and close the door. (= the light and the door of the room)
O Do you live far from the center? (= the center of your town)
O I'd like to speak to the manager, please. (= the manager of this shop etc.)
Make sentences use a/an or the:
1. We enjoyed our trip. The hotel was very nice.
2. Can I ask a question? Sure. What do you want to know?'
3. You look very tired. You need a holiday.
4. Where's Tom? He's in the garden.
5. Eve is an interesting person. You should meet her.
6. A: Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the city center?
B: Yes, go straight on and then take the next turning left.
7. A: Shall we go out for a meal this evening?
B: Yes, that's a good idea.
8. It's a nice morning. Let's go for walk.
9. Amanda is a student. When she finishes her studies, she wants to be a journalist. She lives with two friends in an apartment near the college where she is studying. the apartment is small, but she likes it.
10. Peter and Mary have two children, a boy and a girl. the boy is seven years old, and the girl is three. Peter works in a factory. Mary doesn't have a job at the moment.
Make the sentences. Use a or the + these words:
1. Can you open the door, Please?
2. How far is it to the airport?
3. Can I have a cup of coffee, Please.
4. That's a nice picture I like it.
5. Can you pass me the dictionary, Please?
6. Why are you sitting on the floor?
Make sentences. Put in a/an or the where necessary.
1. Don't forget to turn off light when you go out.
2. Enjoy your trip, and don't forget to send me postcard.
3. What is the name of this village?
4. Canada is a very big country.
5. What is the largest city in Canada?
6. I like this room, but I don't like the color of carpet.
7. Are you OK? No, I've got a headache.
8. We live in an old house near station.
9. What is the name of the director of the film we saw last night?
