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Why English Sometimes Uses “THE” and Sometimes Uses No Article English learners often ask: “Why do we say, 'the something' in one situation, but no article in another?” It all comes down to noun types. Here’s a quick guide you can save and review. 1. Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns Countable nouns You can count them: a phone, a chair, a mistake. Singular countable nouns must use a/an, the, this, my, etc. ✔️ a mistake ✔️ the chair ❌ mistake is common (incorrect) Uncountable nouns You cannot count them as separate units: advice, furniture, water, happiness, traffic Usually no article when general ✔️ Happiness is important. ✔️ Traffic was heavy today. No a/an ❌ an advice (incorrect) 2. Zero Article (no article) We use no article when we talk about: plural nouns in general ✔️ Dogs are friendly. uncountable nouns in general ✔️ Information helps everyone. most proper names ✔️ Japan, Maria, Netflix 3. When We Use “A/An” Use a/an for: one of something non-specific things new information ✔️ I saw a movie yesterday. ✔️ She bought a new laptop. 4. When We Use “THE” We use the when the noun is: specific known by both people mentioned earlier the only one in the situation ✔️ Where is the bathroom? (the one we both know exists) ✔️ I liked the movie we watched. ✔️ Close the door. (there is only one door relevant) ⭐ Mini Test (Check Yourself!) Which is correct? 1️⃣ ___ patience is necessary. 2️⃣ I bought ___ umbrella. 3️⃣ ___ moon looks bright tonight. 4️⃣ Students need ___ feedback. 5️⃣ ___ students in my class are great. Answers: 1️⃣ Ø patience 2️⃣ an umbrella 3️⃣ the moon 4️⃣ Ø feedback 5️⃣ the students (specific group)
Nov 30, 2025 5:25 AM
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Who wants to sound like a native English speaker from the United States? Maybe you're wanting to visit the United States. Maybe you're wanting to move to the United States. Maybe you got a job in the United States and you want to be able to communicate with people in your new neighborhood. Or maybe you already live in the United States but were born in another country, but you want to learn how to sound more like you live here. You want to talk to people in the grocery store, book store and more! But your accent is bothering you. Have you ever had someone from the United States really judge your pronunciation? Really listen to all the sounds you make when you speak? Then let you know what letter sounds that you say wrong in American English? Then actually teach you how to say American English letter sounds clearly and correctly. So your nouns, vowels etc sound really clear and understandable. Not like.. 'Sort of like American English' but really American English. That way your listener knows exactly what you're saying without confusion, hesitation, assumptions, mis understanding. Wouldn't your listener appreciate that? Wouldn't that make the conversation more free flowing and more enjoyable? Check out my tutor profile and book a lesson of mine. I've been tutoring students around the world since 2018 to sound more American. I have availability tomorrow November 29th.
Nov 30, 2025 2:20 AM
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Today, I would like to talk about food loss. Food loss means throwing away food that is still good to eat. This happens in restaurants, supermarkets, and even in our homes. According to many reports, about one-third of the food produced in the world is wasted. When I studied in Cebu, I also saw a trash box for leftover food. Every day, a large amount of food was thrown away, and it shocked me. So, why does food loss happen? First, people often buy too much food and cannot finish it before it expires. Second, supermarkets throw away vegetables and fruits that look a little strange, even though their taste and quality are fine. Third, restaurants sometimes serve large portions, and customers leave food on their plates. Then, what can we do to reduce food loss? First, we can buy only what we need. Checking our fridge and making a shopping list can help reduce waste. Second, we can choose imperfect vegetables and fruits. They may look different, but they are still delicious. Also, when we eat out, we can take home leftovers. It is not embarrassing—it’s a smart choice. Food is very important in our lives. Many people work hard to produce it. By changing small actions, we can protect the environment and reduce food loss.
Nov 30, 2025 3:29 AM
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