Understanding Indefinite Articles in English and French

1. Indefinite Articles

2. Indefinite articles are NOT specific. They are the OPPOSITE of definite articles. Example: I want the pen that you gave me. (This is a very specific pen – therefore we use a definite article.) However: I want a pen. (This is just any pen – non - specific – therefore we use an indefinite article.)

3. Some other examples of INDEFINITE articles: I want a notebook. (Any notebook – non-specific) J’aienvie d’un cahier. I need a piece of paper. (Any piece of paper – non-specific.) J’aibesoind’unefeuille de papier.

4. In English the indefinite article is expressed by the words aor an if the word (noun) is singular. In English the indefinite article is expressed by the word some if the word (noun) is plural. *In English, sometimes the plural indefinite article can be left out. Ex: I need notebooks. *You can say: I need some notebooks.

5. In French the indefinite article is expressed by: UN – if the word (noun) is masculine, singular UNE – if the word (noun) is feminine, singular DES – if the word (noun) is plural (masculine or feminine)

6. C’est à vous! Using the verb AVOIR, complete these sentences using the indefinite article required. Example: I have notebooks. J’ai des cahiers. Il ___a___ ___une____ agrafeuse. Nous __avons__ __un___ ordinateur. Tu __as___ __des__ ciseaux. Vous _avez_ _des_ stylos.

7. Which indefinite article should I use? Write yellow vocab in notes! A ruler = __une___ règle A calculator = ___une___ calculatrice A backpack = __un__ sac à dos A book = __un___ livre A dictionary= ___un___ dictionnaire An eraser = __une_____ gomme Staplers = __des____ agrafeuses Pens = ___des___ stylos

8. Merveilleux!