University Writing Center - The University of Utah

Does my noun need an article?

Is the noun countable or non-countable?

Countable - go to step 2A

Non-countable - go to step 2B

Is it general or specific?

General - go to step 3

Specific - Use "the"

Is it general or specific?

General - No article

Specific - Use "the"

Is it singular or plural?

Plural - No article

Singular - Use "a/an"

Countable Nouns can be made plural. If you can put numbers in front of it to count it, then it is a countable noun.

(“Apple” is a countable noun because it has a plural form.)

Non-countable Nouns cannot be made plural and they cannot be counted.

(Milk is a non-countable noun because it does not have a plural form. However, a container of milk is countable and can be made plural.)

General Nouns refer to ANY or ALL members within that noun group.

I sat in a chair
- The word ''chair” is not referring to a specific chair, but ANY chair within the noun group of chairs. Therefore, “chair" in this sentence is general.
I love apples
- “Apples" in this sentence is general because it is referring to ALL types and kinds of apples within that noun group

Specific Nouns only take the article “the."

Nouns are specific when the noun is narrowed down to a specific or particular member within that noun group.
- I just read the saddest book. – There are many books, but only one book is the author's definition of the “saddest.”
- The president of my school gave a public address today. – There are many presidents but only one president of "my school;” therefore, we know that "president" in this sentence is specific.
General nouns can also become specific. If a general noun is mentioned more than once in a piece of writing, it becomes specific.
- I live in a small town. However, the town is full of life. – The first time "town” is mentioned, it is general because we don't know which town it is. But the second time the noun is mentioned it is specific because now we know you are talking about the town you live in.
- I walked into my classroom and sat in a chair. The chair was cold and hard. – The first time “chair" is mentioned we don't know anything about it, so it is general; it is referring to ANY type or kind within that noun group. But the second time "chair” is mentioned it becomes specific because now we have a reference for which chair you are referring to.