GRAMMAR

6 Indefinite Articles

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Video Lesson

Activate [SUBTITLES] in English

TRANSCRIPTION

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Quick Summary

​The indefinite article is used to talk about a non-specific person or thing.

​The singular form translates as "a" and the plural form translates as "some".

How to use them
1. The indefinite article goes before the noun.

• Necesito un coche nuevo. (I need a new car.)

2. It agrees with the noun in gender and number.

• Un perro corrió por aquí persiguiendo unos gatos. (A dog ran through here chasing some cats.)
• Me gustaría una ensalada y un refresco. (I'd like a salad and a pop.)

When to use them
​The indefinite article is used:

1. When the identity of the person or thing you are talking about is not known or specified

• Una mujer entró el restaurante. Entonces, un mosquito la picó. (A woman entered the restaurant. Then, a mosquito bit her.)

2. Afer the veb "hay"

• Hay un libro encima de esta mesa. (There is a book on top of the table.)

3. In the plural form to show (a.) an inexact quantity (“algunos”) or (b.) an estimate (“más o menos”)

• ¿Quieres salir y tomar unas cervezas esta noche? (Do you want to go out and have a couple beers tonight?)
• Este proyecto tomó unos seis meses para completar. (This project took about six months to complete.)

The indefinite article is not used:

​1. To say your profession after "ser" (unless there is an adjective)

• Ana es abogada. Pero no es una buena abogada. (Ana is a lawyer. But she's not a good lawyer.)

2. Before the words "otro" and "medio"

• Dame medio vaso de jugo y otra porción de papas. (Give me a half glass of juice and another serving of fries.)

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