Around the House

Singular and Plural Nouns with Articles

We use plural nouns when we talk about more than one item. We add an (s) to the noun.

1. I have many books..
2. I have a cat and two dogs.

We use the article a and an before a singular noun for an item that is not specific to the listener.

1. I have an old computer.
2. She has a nice house.
3. I have a big kitchen.
4. I don’t have an umbrella.

Once the listener knows about the item, we use the article the instead of a or an.

1. To make an omelet, crack an egg. Then whisk the egg.
2. Then get a pan. Cook the egg in the pan.
3. Then get a plate. Put the egg on the plate.
4. Then get a fork. Use the fork to eat the omelet.

When we talk about items in general, use the plural form, often without the article the.

1. Books are important.
2. Do you like apples?
3. Everybody needs friends.
4. I don’t like watching movies.

We use the article the before plural nouns when we refer to a specific group of items.

1. I bought the books you asked for.
2. The streets in my town are very clean.
3. I love the cookies my mother makes.
4. The students in my class like to play games.

Read the dialog and look for nouns and articles.

Aimee: So, Todd, do you like your house?

Todd: I do. It’s a nice house, but it’s an old house. It’s very old.

Aimee: How many rooms are in your house?

Todd: My house has four rooms, a living room, a bedroom, an office, and a kitchen.

Aimee: That sounds big. How about bathrooms? How many bathrooms do you have?

Todd: I have one bathroom.

Aimee: Oh, nice. Do you have a TV?

Todd: I do have a TV in the living room, and I have a couch and a table.

Aimee: Wow. What about your kitchen? Do you have a kitchen?

Todd: I do. I have a very small kitchen. The kitchen has a stove, a table, and a refrigerator. I can cook, but it’s not easy.

Aimee: Oh, how many chairs do you have in the kitchen?

Todd: We only have two chairs. It’s very, very small.

Aimee: How about books, Todd? Do you have books?

Todd: I have a rule. I only keep two books.

Aimee: What?

Todd: Yeah. If I want a new book, I must get rid of a book.

Aimee: Wow. That is so strict.

Todd: It is. It is very strict, but it reduces clutter.

Aimee: Sounds nice. Sounds like a great house.

Todd: It is. Old and small, but nice.

Source: https://www.elllo.org/english/grammar/L2-04-AimeeTodd-House-HowMuch-many.htm