Noun: article determination

Article is a determining unit of specific nature accompanying the noun in communicative collocation.

1 The definite article expresses the identification or individualisation of the referent of the noun. substitution test. replacing the article by a demonstrative word,

But look at the apple-tree!→ But look at this apple-tree!

2 The indefinite article is commonly interpreted as referring the object denoted by the noun to a certain class of similar objects; a contrast test

A door opened in the wall. → A door (not a window) opened in the wall.

3 zero article absolute generalisation abstraction, insertion test home should be safe and comfortable place - home(in general) should be safe and comfortable place

uses nouns without articles:

1 stylistic considerations. (in telegraphic speech, in titles and headlines, in various notices)

2. combinations of fixed type, (prepositional phrases on fire, fixed verbal collocations (take place, descriptive coordinative groups and repetition groups (man and wife, , and the like.

3. before the countable noun in the singular signifies that the noun is taken in an abstract sense, expressing the most general idea of the object denoted. Law (in general)

4. the uncountable noun corresponds to the two kinds of generalisation: both relative and absolute. To decide which of the two meanings is realised in any particular case, the described tests should be carried out alternately. Cf.:

Coffee (a kind of beverage served at the table: relative generalisation) or tea, please? Coffee (in general: absolute generalisation) stimulates the function of the heart.

5. before the countable noun in the plural, corresponds to both kinds of generalisation,

Stars, planets and comets (these kinds of objects: relative generalisation) are different celestial bodies (not terrestrial bodies: relative generalisation). Wars (in general: absolute generalisation) should be eliminated as means of deciding international disputes.