1. My sister is an architect. The word "architect" starts with a consonant sound, so we use the indefinite article "an" before it.
2. A friend of mine recommended a good tutor. The word "tutor" starts with a consonant sound, so we use the indefinite article "a" before it. Also, in this sentence, we are talking about any tutor, not a specific one, so the indefinite article is appropriate.
3. Acapulco is a very beautiful beach. The word "beach" starts with a consonant sound, so we use the indefinite article "a" before it. Also, in this sentence, we are not talking about a specific beach, but any beautiful beach, so the indefinite article is appropriate.
4. My teacher recommended a book to me. The word "book" starts with a consonant sound, so we use the indefinite article "a" before it. Also, in this sentence, we are not talking about a specific book, but any book that the teacher recommended, so the indefinite article is appropriate.
5. Do you have a napkin? I dropped a piece of the pie, and I need to clean it up. The word "napkin" starts with a consonant sound, so we use the indefinite article "a" before it. Also, in this sentence, we are not talking about a specific napkin, but any napkin that can be used to clean up the pie, so the indefinite article is appropriate.
6. Mom, does the lost my ring in the vacuum cleaner work properly? I lost my ring in the closet, and I need to find it. The word "lost" is in incorrect form in the sentence, so we remove it. Also, "the" should not be used before "vacuum cleaner" because the sentence is not talking about a specific vacuum cleaner, but the general one. In the second sentence, "the" is used correctly before "closet" because it is referring to a specific closet.
7. Do you have a pen? I don't have one, and I need to write down an important address. The word "pen" starts with a consonant sound, so we use the indefinite article "a" before it. Also, in this sentence, we are not talking about a specific pen, but any pen that can be used to write down the important address, so the indefinite article is appropriate.
8. Do you have an ID? You need an ID to enter these premises. The word "ID" starts with a vowel sound, so we use the indefinite article "an" before it. Also, in the second sentence, we are talking about a specific ID that is required to enter the premises, so the definite article "the" is appropriate.
9. There's an alligator in the backyard. I think the alligator is looking for something to eat. The word "alligator" starts with a vowel sound, so we use the indefinite article "an" before it. Also, in the second sentence, "the" is used correctly before "alligator" because it is referring to a specific alligator in the backyard.
10. Do you have a computer, a calculator? I have a laptop and an iPad that you can use to calculate whatever you want; unfortunately, I do not have the kind of calculator you need. The words "computer" and "calculator" start with consonant sounds, so we use the indefinite article "a" before them. Also, in the second sentence, "the" is used correctly before "kind" because it is referring to a specific kind of calculator that the person needs.
I hope this explanation helps you understand the usage of articles in these sentences. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
2. Denny doesn't always come to extra Maths classes after school. He will come this week because his marks are getting worse!
Explanation: In this sentence, we are talking about Denny's attendance to extra Maths classes. The word "doesn't" indicates that he usually doesn't come to these classes. However, we also know that his marks are getting worse, which is a reason for concern. So, in order to improve his performance, he will come to the extra Maths classes this week.
3. It always rains when I'm on holiday and look – it's raining now!
Explanation: The word "always" suggests that whenever the speaker goes on vacation, it starts raining. The phrase "when I'm on holiday" indicates that this is a frequent occurrence. And, as the speaker is currently on holiday, they observe that it is indeed raining. The word "look" is used to draw attention to the fact that the speaker's observation is being confirmed in real-time.
4. I know you play tennis very often. Will you play this week?
Explanation: The speaker is acknowledging that the person they are speaking to (the listener) plays tennis frequently. However, they want to confirm if the listener will play tennis this week. The use of the phrase "Will you" indicates that the speaker is referring to a future action and seeking confirmation.
5. My friend lives very near, and she walks to school every morning.
Explanation: The word "near" suggests that the friend's residence is in close proximity to the school. The phrase "walks to school every morning" indicates that the friend chooses to cover the distance on foot. This information is shared to express the convenience of the friend's location in relation to the school.
6. My brother usually watches game shows, but tonight he will watch a soap opera.
Explanation: The speaker describes their brother's typical TV viewing preference, which is game shows. However, tonight is an exception, as the brother will be watching a soap opera instead. The use of the word "usually" highlights the brother's regular behavior, while "will" confirms the change for tonight.
