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Common English Error - Articles

Common English Errors of Local Students

Author of Basic Grammar In Context - Li Po Lung
Instructor of HK University of Science & Technology

Articles


Articles “a”, “an” or “the” are often used before English nouns.
Using these articles accurately requires careful consideration.
The mistakes commonly made by students can be categorized into:

(1) Missing Articles
Examples
I have not seen my former class teacher for ^ long time. (for a long time)
My niece, Karen, is studying at ^ Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
(the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
(2) Incorrect article
Examples
Smoking has the adverse effect on our health. (an adverse effect)
Recently the government has decided to cut a funding to all the universities. (the funding)
We need to finish our work within a hour and a half. (an hour and a half)
(3)Unnecessary article
Examples
My school is near the King's Road. (near King's Road)
There are many forms of entertainment in the society nowadays. (in society)
I have a bad news. (I have bad news)
     
Exercise on Articles
Each of the following 10 sentences contains a grammatical error. Try to identify all the errors.
1. A second largest nutrient group in instant noodles is fat.
2. Eating ubiquitous noodles every day seems unhealthy.
3. We all work hard and play hard with an understanding that it's the best attitude towards life.
4. There are two examinations for a whole year.
5. Adding the vegetables to the soup is a good way to increase vitamin content.
6. How can the society decide individuals are most suitable for which positions?
7. There are a lot of problems faced by young nowadays.
8. In the recent years, drug abuse has become a controversial issue in the territory.
9. China is increasingly self-confident Asian country.
10. West is keen on constructing Asia in its own mold.
Suggested Answers of Article Exercise.
1. The second largest nutrient group in instant noodles is fat.
2. Eating the ubiquitous noodles every day seems unhealthy.
3. We all work hard and play hard with the understanding that it’s the best attitude towards life.
4. There are two examinations for the whole year.
5. Adding the (7 ) vegetables to the soup is a good way to increase vitamin content.
6. How can the (7 ) society decide individuals are most suitable for which positions?
7. There are a lot of problems faced by the young nowadays.
8. In the (7 ) recent years, drug abuse has become a controversial issue in the territory.
9. China is an increasingly self-confident Asian country.
10. The West is keen on constructing Asia in its own mold.
Sources
Newsweek (current issue)
Poetic License (p.4), A Blessing for China (p.15), Special Advertsing Section (p.20),
Bloodbath in the Palace (p.22), Focus on Style (p.58).
Newsweek (previous issue)

God Didn't Give France Everything (p.6), The Other Bubble (p.18), Freedom for Film (p.54),
Had All of Your Shots (p.61), Special Advertising Section (p.68).
Reader's digest (current issue)

Turning Points (p.9), Stress Busters That Can Save Your Life(p.19), Tug of Love (p.26),
Finders Keepers (p.37), Give Yourself a Lift (p.44), How Did That Get There (p.107).