What is the meaning of definite and indefinite?

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Definite and indefinite articles are parts of speech referring to the terms “the,” “a,” and “an.” Definite articles definition: a determiner (the) that introduces specific nouns and noun phrases. Indefinite articles definition: a determiner (a, an) that introduces nonspecific nouns and noun phrases.



Subsequently, one may also ask, what is the means of indefinite?

adjective. not definite; without fixed or specified limit; unlimited: an indefinite number. not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact: an indefinite boundary; an indefinite date in the future.

Secondly, what are the 4 indefinite articles? The Spanish indefinite articles are: un, una, unos, and unas, which are possible translations of the English articles 'an' or 'a' in singular, or 'some' or 'a few' in plural.

Beside above, what is a definite article example?

Singular, countable noun – Used before a singular noun, something that can be counted, the definite article specifies which one is being referred to. For example, “The thief has run away.” Plural, countable noun – It may be used before a plural countable noun, when the noun is specific, not general.

What are the Spanish definite and indefinite articles?

The Spanish indefinite articles are un, una, unos and unas. Just like the definite articles, each corresponds to a gender and to a number. Use un for singular, masculine nouns. Un día (a day), un perro (a dog).

39 Related Question Answers Found

Does indefinite mean permanent?

As adjectives the difference between permanent and indefinite. is that permanent is without end, eternal while indefinite is without limit; forever, or until further notice; not definite.

How do you use indefinite in a sentence?

Examples of indefinite in a Sentence
We're stuck here for an indefinite period of time. Their plans have been put on indefinite hold. She is indefinite about her plans.

What is indefinite pronoun and examples?

An indefinite pronoun does not refer to any specific person, thing or amount. It is vague and "not definite". Some typical indefinite pronouns are: all, another, any, anybody/anyone, anything, each, everybody/everyone, everything, few, many, nobody, none, one, several, some, somebody/someone.

What is the meaning of indefinite strike?

If you describe a situation or period as indefinite, you mean that people have not decided when it will end. an indefinite strike by government workers.

What does the word infinitely?


Infinite describes things that are endless, like the universe, or your uncle's corny jokes. Finite means "something with an end," and when you add the prefix, in- meaning "not," you get infinite: something that never, ever ends.

What does definite article mean?

The definite article is the word the. It is used before a noun to define it as something specific (e.g., something previously mentioned or known, something unique or something being identified by the speaker).

How do you use indefinitely in a sentence?

Use “indefinitely” in a sentence | “indefinitely” sentence
  1. The event has been postponed indefinitely due to lack of interest.
  2. Might it be possible to prolong life indefinitely?
  3. The decision has been deferred indefinitely.
  4. You may have to wait indefinitely.
  5. Nobody has the right to borrow the book indefinitely.
  6. His trial has been postponed indefinitely .

What is an indefinite adjective?

An indefinite adjective is used to describe a noun in a non-specific sense. The most common indefinite adjectives are any, each, few, many, much, most, several, and some. They are often used to describe a noun to show an element of uncertainty. Indefinite adjectives should not be confused with indefinite pronouns.

What is an example of an indefinite article?

Indefinite article examples with an:
Nothing is more beautiful than an eagle. Bill has never slept in an igloo. My father is eating an orange. Frank always carries an umbrella.

How do you use definite articles?


The definite article can be used with both singular and plural nouns, but it must only be used when you are describing a specific noun, or group of nouns. For example: “The children got off the bus last.” The indefinite article, “a” or “an” is only used for a singular noun.

When definite article the is used?

The definite article is the. The definite article is used with singular and plural nouns. It is used both with countable nouns and uncountable nouns: to make definite or specific reference to a person or a thing that has already been referred to.

When we use the in a sentence?

Use "a" or "an" if the title is not a specific title. Use "the" if a specific person has a title or if only one person has a title. Don't Use "a," "an," or "the" if the person's name is given. Use "the" if the name of the country is plural or indicates a group (of states, islands, etc.)

Why the is called definite article?

The definite article, the, is used to refer to a particular member of a group or class. It may be something that the speaker has already mentioned or it may be something uniquely specified. The is the only definite article in English, for both singular and plural nouns. The children know the fastest way home.

What is the difference between indefinite and definite articles?

2. A definite article is used when one is referring to a noun which has been previously mentioned while an indefinite article is used when one is referring to something for the first time. 3.In the English language the definite article is the word “the” while the indefinite articles are the words “a” and “an.”

What are the functions of articles?

An article is a part of speech used to indicate a noun and to specify a noun's function. In English, articles are placed before nouns. The English articles are a, an, and the, and they fall into two categories: definite and indefinite.

Are infinitives verbs?

An infinitive is a non-finite verb. In other words, it cannot be the main verb in a sentence. An infinitive can be used as a noun, an adjective or an adverb.