LONGMAN ENGLISH GRAMMAR PRACTICE

3 Articles3.1 The indefinite article: 'a/an' (1)3.1 A General statements with 'a/an' and zero (0) [> LEG 3.7,3.9.1-2,3.19.1]Study:та1 A and an have exactly the same meaning. We use a in front of consonant sounds (a man, ayeai) and an in front of vowel sounds (an umbrella, an eye, an hour).2 We can talk about people or things 'in general' with a/an or with the plural [> 3.5А].Instead of: Cats are domestic animals. (= 'cats in general')We can say: A cat is a domestic animal. (= 'cats in general')Write:Make the singular sentences plural and the plural sentences singular.1 A small computer isn't expensive2 A quartz watch doesn't last for ever3 I like plays with messages4 I admire politicians who are sincere5 A big city is always fascinating6 Even an efficient system can break down ..., v .7 A road map is always out of date Í8 A rule is meant to be broken9 Restaurants shouldn't charge too much10 How much do car radios cost?11 A bus leaves here every hour12 How long does a letter take to get here?3.1 В The 'plural form' of 'a/an' [> LEG 3.5-6,3.9.1-2]Study:та1 The plural of a/an is zero ( 0 ) when we refer to 'things in general':A cat is a domestic animal. -» ( 0 ) Cats are ( 0 ) domestic animals.2 The plural of a/an is some or any when we refer to 'quantity' [but compare > 5.3A]:There's a sandwich on the plate. -* There are some sandwiches on the plate. [> 5.3B]We use numbers in place of a/an and some/any only when we are counting:There's only one sandwich left.-* There are only four sandwiches left. [> 3.2B]Write:Turn these sentences into the plural, making all necessary changes.1 She's an architect2 Do you want a potato?3 A doctor needs years of training4 How well can a cat see in the dark?5 Have you got a cat at home?6 Why should a compact disc be so dear?7 I borrowed a compact disc8 Can you lend me a compact disc?9 Why is a car so expensive?10 There isn't a car in the street42