a good knowledge of · a fear of heights · A doctor is someone who… · a Picasso · the Smiths · PM resigns
Building on B2
From the rules to the exceptions
At B2: Life is short (abstract, general), the rich (group), go to school (institution). C1 deals with the cases where an abstract noun takes a, where names take articles, and where articles disappear.
a / an with abstract nouns
When the noun is described or limited
She has a good knowledge of Japanese.
Not: has good knowledge of
He has a fear of heights. · I have a love of old films.
She has a great sense of humour.
Abstract noun alone → no article (Knowledge is power). Abstract noun + adjective or of-phrase about a person → often a / an.
Generic a / an
Any one member stands for the whole class
A doctor is someone who treats sick people.
Definitions.
A good referee never loses control.
What any one should be like.
Plural (Doctors…) and the + singular (The doctor…) are the B2 generic forms; a / an is used to define or describe a typical member.
Articles with names
When a name works like a common noun
the + family
The Smiths are coming for dinner. (the Smith family)
a + artist
They own a Picasso. (a painting by Picasso)
a + Mr / Ms
A Mr Brown called for you. (someone called Mr Brown — I don't know him)
the + time / version
the London of the 1960s · the young Mozart
Headlines, notes and lists
Articles dropped to save space
PM resigns after scandal.
= The Prime Minister resigns after a scandal.
Meeting moved to Friday. Bring laptop.
Notes and messages.
Add salt and stir until smooth.
Recipes and instructions.
Use full articles again in ordinary writing.
Common mistakes
Where learners go wrong most often
She has good knowledge of French.
→
She has a good knowledge of French.
qualified abstract noun → a
I have fear of spiders.
→
I have a fear of spiders.
a fear of …
They bought Picasso for millions.
→
They bought a Picasso for millions.
a + artist = a work by them
Smiths live next door.
→
The Smiths live next door.
the + family name in plural
Your turn
Answer out loud — full sentences
Watch every a / an / the.
1
What do you have a good knowledge of? What do you have a fear of?
2
Define a job, starting: A … is someone who…
3
Would you rather own a Picasso or a Van Gogh? Why?
4
Write three headlines about today's news, without articles.