BEGINNER ENGLISH Lesson 11
COUNTABLE and UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
or COUNT and NON-COUNT nouns
for English Language Learners (ELL) – those learning to speak English as a Second Language (ESL), or English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Lesson 11 – COUNTABLE NOUNS – Beginner Rules for Articles – How to Use the
Rule 1
With singular countable nouns, use a or an the first time you refer to the noun.
After the first time, use THE.
- e.g., There is an apple on the table. Is it the apple I gave you this morning?
Rule 2
With countable nouns (singular or plural), use the when you are referring to something specific.
- e.g., I need to take the car to work tomorrow.
- e.g., Please put the cups on the table.
Rule 3
With countable nouns, use the when there is only one of something.
- e.g., The moon is beautiful tonight.