Indefinite vs. Definite   First Mention   First mention makes the indefinite articles (‘a’ / ‘an’) the correct choice for a singular countable noun and 'zero' article Ø for a plural or uncountable noun. This first view (scene 1) of the noun is chiefly used for describing the general characteristics of an concept or object. The structures typically used to do this include there is/ are, descriptive use of the verbs "to have" and "to be", as well as definitions: Scene 1 First mention (a/an or Ø)   EXISTENTIAL VERBS There is a computer in Room U413a. There are Ø computers in Room U413a. There is Ø water on the table. (Singular countable noun) (Plural countable noun) (Uncountable noun)   STATIVE VERBS He is an engineer. It has Ø arms and legs This drink contains Ø vodka. (Singular countable noun) (Plural countable noun) (Uncountable noun)   DEFINITIONS A computer is a device used for manipulating data according to a list of instructions known as a program. (Countable noun) Ø Thermal radiation is Ø electromagnetic radiation emitted from the surface of an object which is due to the object's temperature. (Uncountable noun)   SINGULAR COUNTABLE NOUNS Concepts or objects mentioned earlier in the text can be considered unique or specific, in that they are currently familiar or known to the reader from recent mention within the text. To clearly signal (remind the reader) that this is not "new" information, English uses the definite article (‘the’). Notice in the example below how the countable concepts (product and service) are first introduced with indefinite articles (‘a’ / ‘an’), and subsequently marked with the definite article to indicate that this information is "old" or "given." There is growing interest in a paradigm shift from selling a product to selling a service. In such an arrangement, the customer essentially leases the product for a certain time period or pays a monthly fee for the defined service.   UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS In contrast, first mention of uncountable concepts, such as information below, take the "zero" article (Ø). Nevertheless, both countable and uncountable nouns require the definite article (‘the’) (or a demonstrative or pronoun) for second mention. The Privacy Act of 1998 stipulates that Ø personal information shall not be collected by a collector for inclusion in a record or in a generally available publication unless the information is collected for a purpose that is a lawful purpose directly related to a function or activity of the collector.   PLURAL COUNTABLE NOUNS Similar to uncountable nouns, first mention of plural countable nouns also take the "zero" article (Ø), and second mention requires the definite article (‘the’) (or a demonstrative or pronoun). There is growing interest in a paradigm shift from selling Ø products to selling Ø services. In such an arrangement, the customer essentially leases the products for a certain time period or pays a monthly fee for the defined services.   Press the button below to read about "second mention".

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