French nouns and articlesThe definite article in practice
A noun is a naming word used for a person, thing, place or idea. The word for ‘the’ or ‘a’ changes depending on the gender of the noun and whether it is singular or plural.
Decide whether these sentences needle,la,l',lesor whether no article is needed.
Question
J’adore __________ Angleterre, mais je préfère __________ Espagne, parce qu’il fait chaud en __________ Espagne.
J’adore l’Angleterre, mais je préfère l’Espagne, parce qu’il fait chaud en Espagne.
Translation
I love England but I prefer Spain because it’s hot in Spain.
Explanation
The definite article is needed when talking about a country.
Question
Je vais aller à Madrid __________ année prochaine, alors je voudrais étudier __________ espagnol.
Je vais aller à Madrid l’année prochaine, alors je voudrais étudier l’espagnol.
Translation
I’m going to go to Madrid next year so I would like to study Spanish.
Explanation
The definite article is needed when talking about parts of time, such as ‘next year’ and also for languages.
Question
J’ai beaucoup de __________ copains qui étudient __________ anglais, mais je veux trouver plus de __________ copains qui apprennent __________ espagnol.
J’ai beaucoup de copains qui étudient l’anglais, mais je veux trouver plus de copains qui apprennent l’espagnol.
Translation
I have lots of friends who study English but I would like to find more friends that are learning Spanish.
Explanation
No article is needed after beaucoup de or trop de but a definite article is needed when talking about languages.
