Use “a” or “an” Use “the” Don’t Use “a,” “an,” or “the” Names of Countries Non-specific • a country Use “the” if the name of the country is plural or indicates a group (of states, islands, etc.) • the United States • the Netherlands • the United Kingdom Don’t use “a,” “an,” or “the” for other countries, e.g., • Russia • South Africa • Holland • Canada • England Names of Continents Non-specific • a continent Don’t use “a,” “an,” or “the” before the names of continents • Asia • Europe • Australia Names of Some Geographica l Areas Use “the” • the South Pole • the South • the Middle East Don’t use “a,” “an,” or “the” • Western Europe Names of Cities and States Non-specific • a city • a state • the Hague Don’t use “a,” “an,” or “the” • London • Paris • Beijing Names of Streets • the High Street • the Champs Elysées Don’t use “a,” “an,” or “the” • Belgrave Street • Fifth Avenue Names of Oceans, Rivers, Seas, Deserts, Forests, Canals Use a/an for non-specific • an ocean • a canal • a sea • a desert Use “the” • the Indian Ocean • the North Sea • the Suez Canal • the Sahara Appendix D The use of the articles a/an/the/ zero (no) article 165 Use “a” or “an” Use “the” Don’t Use “a,” “an,” or “the” Names of Lakes Non-specific • a lake Don’t use “a,” “an,” or “the” • Lake Michigan • Lake Geneva 166 Appendix D The use of the articles a/an/the/ zero (no) article Appendix E Conditional forms in the English language Sample sentences Zero conditional If the studio light is red, they’re recording. First conditional If the job is not completed within three months, a penalty clause will come into effect. Second conditional If we had more time, it would be a lot easier. Third conditional If you had paid earlier, you wouldn’t have paid interest on the debt. Mixed conditional (third + second) If he had let us know about his difficulties earlier, he wouldn’t be in this situation now. Grammatical structure Type of conditional If clause Main clause Zero conditional Example If + present tense If we have it in writing, present tense it’s legally binding. First conditional Example If + present tense If we meet this deadline, future form we’ll get further business from this client. Second conditional Example If + past simple/continuous tense If we had more people working on it, would/could/should/ought to/must + infinitive we could get it finished by the 5 th . Third conditional Example If + past perfect If we’d sent the reminder earlier, would/could/should/ought to/must+ have + past participle we could have avoided this problem. Type of conditional If clause Main clause Mixed conditional (third + second) Example If + past perfect If we’d checked the proofs more carefully, would/could/should/ought to/must + infinitive there wouldn’t be so many mistakes in the article. Polite phrase using a conditional form in the if clause Example If + would + infinitive If you would like to take a seat, future form I’ll tell Mr. Blanco you’re here. 168 Appendix E Conditional forms in the English language 1 Communicating with clarity KEY Task 1 1. NS – the sentence makes no sense because you cannot use lubrication oil (engine oil) for cooking purposes 2. S 3. NS – there is no main verb 4. NS – there is no subject 5. S 6. S 7. S 8. NS – there is no subject and no main verb – the expression is just hanging in thin air 9. NS – there is no main verb 10. S Task 2 Suggested answer In the US, teachers need to publish before they are promoted. Task 3 Suggested answer There are three reasons why exercise is good for you. First, it keeps you fit and can help to keep your weight down. Second, it keeps you healthy and can reduce the likelihood of having heart problems. Finally, it can help to keep stress levels down and has been known to relieve depression. In conclusion, everyone should do some form of regular exercise. Task 4 1. Although/While 2. Firstly 3. Consequently 4. also 5. In contrast . a conditional form in the if clause Example If + would + infinitive If you would like to take a seat, future form I’ll tell Mr. Blanco you’re here. 168 Appendix E Conditional forms in the English language 1. or “the” • Belgrave Street • Fifth Avenue Names of Oceans, Rivers, Seas, Deserts, Forests, Canals Use a/an for non-specific • an ocean • a canal • a sea • a desert Use “the” • the Indian Ocean • the. of Lakes Non-specific • a lake Don’t use “a,” “an,” or “the” • Lake Michigan • Lake Geneva 166 Appendix D The use of the articles a/an/the/ zero (no) article Appendix E Conditional forms in the English language Sample