A determiner is like a helper word that works with a noun to give us more information. It tells us things like who owns something, how much of it there is, or which one we're talking about.
Examples: Determiners and Nouns
One person is missing from the group.
I’ve been stung by a wasp.
Determiners vs. Adjectives:
Determiners and adjectives both talk about nouns, but they do it in different ways. Determiners are like special helpers, and they are really important for making sense. Adjectives, on the other hand, can describe things but don’t always play such a crucial role.
Examples: Determiners vs. Adjectives
Calvin cycled his blue bike home from work.
Calvin cycled his bike home from work.
(Note: If there’s both a determiner and an adjective before a noun, the determiner comes first.)
Types of Determiners:
1. Definite and Indefinite Articles:
Definite Article "The":
"I just saw the movie everyone is talking about."
"The" is used to refer to a specific and known movie.
"Can you pass me the salt, please?"
"The" is used to refer to a specific item (salt) that is known to both the speaker and the listener.
Indefinite Articles "A" and "An":
"I adopted a dog from the shelter."
"A" is used to refer to any dog, not a specific one.
"Would you like an apple from the basket?"
"An" is used before "apple" because it starts with a vowel sound.
2. Demonstrative Determiners:
Demonstrative determiners help point out specific things.
"I love this dress, but I'm not sure about that one."
"This" refers to a dress close to the speaker, while "that" refers to a more distant one.
"Look at these pictures! I took those on vacation."
"These" and "those" distinguish between pictures in close proximity and those taken on a different occasion.
3. Possessive Determiners:
Possessive determiners indicate ownership.
"Sarah is known for her incredible photography skills."
"Her" indicates that the skills belong to Sarah.
"The company is proud of its innovative approach to technology."
"Its" indicates that the approach belongs to the company.
4. Numbers:
Numbers provide information about quantity or order.
Cardinal Numbers:
"I have three cats, and each has its own unique personality."
"Three" indicates the quantity of cats. Ordinal Numbers:
"She won the first prize in the competition."
"First" specifies the order of the prize.
5. Distributive Determiners:
Distributive determiners refer to individual or grouped occurrences.
"Each student is required to submit his or her own project."
"Each" emphasizes individual responsibility.
"Half the cookies are chocolate chip, and the other half are oatmeal."
"Half" specifies the quantity, and "the other half" emphasizes the remaining portion.
6. Interrogative Determiners:
Interrogative determiners help form questions or express curiosity.
"Which book is the most interesting to you?"
"Which" asks about a specific book from a set of options.
"Whose phone is ringing in the next room?"
"Whose" inquires about the ownership of the ringing phone.
7. Quantifiers:
Quantifiers express quantity.
"Several students volunteered to help with the event."
"Several" gives an idea of a moderately large number.
"I need some advice on planning a trip."
"Some" indicates an unspecified but not necessarily small amount.
8. Determiners of Difference:
Determiners of difference help distinguish between things.
"She prefers other styles of music, not just pop."
"Other" suggests different types of music.
"Can I have another slice of cake?"
"Another" refers to an additional slice, different from the ones consumed earlier.
All types of Determiners ( Details)
Articles:
Definition: Articles are determiners that indicate whether a noun refers to something specific or general.
a / an:
Description: "A" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, while "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.
Example: I saw a movie yesterday.
the:
Description: "The" is a definite article used to refer to a specific noun that is unique or known.
Example: The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.
Demonstratives:
Definition: Demonstratives indicate the relative position or proximity of a noun.
that / those:
Description: "That" refers to a singular noun, while "those" refers to plural nouns, both indicating something farther away.
Example: I prefer that book on the shelf.
this / these:
Description: "This" refers to a singular noun, while "these" refers to plural nouns, both indicating something closer.
Example: I like these shoes.
Personal Determiners:
Definition: Personal determiners are used to refer to specific people or entities.
we / us:
Description: "We" is used as a subject pronoun, and "us" is used as an object pronoun.
Example: We are going to the party.
you:
Description: "You" is used to refer to the person or people being addressed.
Example: Can you pass the salt?
them:
Description: Used to refer to a group of people in some dialects.
Example: I invited them to the gathering.
Universal Determiners:
Definition: Universal determiners refer to all members of a group.
all:
Description: Refers to every member of a group.
Example: All students must attend the orientation.
both:
Description: Refers to the entirety of two things.
Example: I like both coffee and tea.
Distributive Determiners:
Definition: Distributive determiners refer to individuals or items separately.
each:
Description: Refers to every member of a group individually.
Example: Each student received a certificate.
every:
Description: Refers to every member of a group collectively.
Example: The library is open every day.
Existential Determiners:
Definition: Existential determiners indicate the existence of something.
any:
Description: Refers to an indefinite member of a group.
Example: I can help at any time.
some:
Description: Refers to an indefinite quantity or number.
Example: Do you have some free time?
Cardinal Numerals:
Definition: Cardinal numerals indicate quantity or number.
zero, one, two, three, four, five million, etc.:
Description: Numerals used to represent specific quantities.
Example: There are three apples on the table.
Disjunctive Determiners:
Definition: Disjunctive determiners present alternatives.
either:
Description: Indicates a choice between two options.
Example: You can choose either option.
neither:
Description: Indicates the exclusion of both options.
Example: I like neither of the colors.
Negative Determiners:
Definition: Negative determiners indicate absence.
no:
Description: Indicates the absence of quantity or number.
Example: There is no milk in the fridge.
none:
Description: Indicates the absence of all members.
Example: I have none left.
Alternative-Additive Determiner:
Definition: Alternative-additive determiners introduce additional options.
another:
Description: Indicates one more of a similar kind.
Example: Can I have another piece of cake?
Positive Paucal Determiners:
Definition: Positive paucal determiners indicate a small, but positive, quantity.
a few:
Description: Refers to a small number.
Example: I have a few friends coming over.
a little:
Description: Refers to a small amount.
Example: Add a little sugar to the tea.
several:
Description: Refers to more than a few but not many.
Example: I read several books over the weekend.
Degree Determiners:
Definition: Degree determiners indicate the extent of a quality.
few / fewer / fewest:
Description: Refers to a small number, with comparative and superlative forms.
Example: I have few regrets.
little / less / least:
Description: Refers to a small amount, with comparative and superlative forms.
Example: I have little patience.
many / more / most:
Description: Refers to a large number, with comparative and superlative forms.
Example: Most people enjoy music.
much / more / most:
Description: Refers to a large amount, with comparative and superlative forms.
Example: I don't have much time.
Sufficiency Determiners:
Definition: Sufficiency determiners indicate an adequate amount.
enough:
Description: Indicates an adequate quantity or degree.
Example: I have enough money for the trip.
sufficient:
Description: Indicates an adequate amount or degree.
Example: The evidence is sufficient for the case.
Temporal Determiners:
Definition: Temporal determiners indicate time.
last:
Description: Refers to the period just before the present.
Example: I saw him last week.
next:
Description: Refers to the period just after the present.
Example: I'll see you next month.
Interrogative Determiners:
Definition: Interrogative determiners are used in asking questions.
what:
Description: Used to inquire about something.
Example: What is your favorite color?
whatever:
Description: Used to ask about anything.
Example: You can do whatever you like.
which:
Description: Used to inquire about a choice among alternatives.
Example: Which book do you want?
whichever:
Description: Used to inquire about any choice among alternatives.
Example: You can choose whichever movie you want.
Marginal Determiners:
Definition: Marginal determiners are less commonly used.
certain:
Description: Indicates a specific thing or things.
Example: I heard certain students were rewarded.
said:
Description: Indicates something previously mentioned.
Example: The said article was interesting.
various:
Description: Indicates a variety or diversity.
Example: We visited various places during our trip.
Relative Determiners:
Definition: Relative determiners introduce relative clauses.
what:
Description: Used in a relative clause.
Example: I didn't understand what he said.
whatever:
Description: Used in a relative clause.
Example: Give me whatever you have.
which:
Description: Used in a relative clause.
Example: Choose which color you like.
whichever:
Description: Used in a relative clause.
Example: Pick whichever day suits you.
Compound Determiners:
Definition: Compound determiners consist of multiple words.
a few, a little:
Description: Expresses a small quantity or amount.
Example: I need a few more minutes.
-body, -one, -thing, & -where:
Description: Forms compound determiners referring to people, objects, things, and places.
Example: Anybody can join the club.
Other Determines:
Genitive Pronouns:
my, your, his, her, our, their: Indicate possession.
Example: This is my car.
its: Indicates possession for inanimate objects.
Example: The cat licked its paw.
whose: Indicates possession when referring to people or things.
Example: Do you know whose book this is?
one's: Indicates possession in a general sense.
Example: Everyone should take care of one's belongings.
Nouns:
Any genitive noun phrase such as "the cat's," "the cats'," "Geoff's," etc.
Predeterminers:
half, a third, a quarter, etc.: Indicates a portion or fraction.
Example: I ate half of the pizza.
such, quite, rather: Adds emphasis to the determiner.
Example: She was quite surprised.
twice, thrice: Indicates repetition.
Example: I checked twice before leaving.
both, all: Refers to the entirety of a group.
Example: We can eat both dishes.
double, triple, quadruple, etc.: Indicates multiplication.
Example: The recipe calls for double the amount of sugar.
List of Determiners with examples
A Few: "I have a few apples left."
A Little: "She needs a little help with her homework."
All: "He ate all the cookies."
An: "She found an interesting book at the library."
Another: "Can I have another piece of cake?"
Any: "Do you have any plans for the weekend?"
Anybody: "Anybody can join the club."
Anyone: "Anyone can apply for the scholarship."
Anything: "You can ask me anything."
Anywhere: "We can go anywhere you'd like."
Both: "Both options are acceptable."
Certain: "She had certain reservations about the decision."
Each: "Each student received a certificate."
Either: "You can choose either option."
Enough: "We have enough time to finish the project."
Every: "Every child deserves a good education."
Everybody: "Everybody enjoyed the party."
Everyone: "Everyone is welcome to join."
Everything: "He packed everything for the trip."
Everywhere: "I searched everywhere for my keys."
Few: "I have few friends in this city."
Fewer: "There are fewer people at the meeting than expected."
Fewest: "He has the fewest items on his list."
Last: "This is the last piece of cake."
Least: "He chose the option that required the least effort."
Less: "She has less time to complete the task."
Little: "She has little patience for waiting."
Many: "There are many books on the shelf."
Many a: "Many a student has struggled with this concept."
More: "We need more chairs for the guests."
Most: "She ate most of the pizza."
Much: "There isn't much time left."
Neither: "Neither option seems suitable."
Next: "Next week, we're going on vacation."
No: "No answer was provided."
No One: "No one knows the answer."
Nobody: "Nobody attended the meeting."
None: "None of the suggestions were accepted."
Nothing: "There is nothing in the box."
Nowhere: "He could find his keys nowhere."
Once: "Once upon a time, there was a princess."
One: "I need one more piece of information."
Said: "Said the wise old owl."
Several: "Several students excelled in the exam."
Some: "Can I have some of your fries?"
Somebody: "Somebody left their umbrella here."
Something: "There is something on the table."
Somewhere: "I left my keys somewhere in the house."
Sufficient: "Sufficient evidence was provided."
That: "I want that book on the top shelf."
The: "The sun is shining brightly."
These: "These are my favorite flowers."
This: "This is the best movie I've seen."
Those: "Those shoes are on sale."
Three: "I have three siblings."
Thrice: "He knocked on the door thrice."
Twice: "She called me twice yesterday."
Two: "I need two tickets for the concert."
Us: "The gift is for us."
Various: "Various options are available."
We: "We are going to the park."
What: "What movie did you watch?"
Whatever: "You can choose whatever you like."
Which: "Tell me which book you want."
Whichever: "You can pick whichever dress you prefer."
You: "You are my best friend."
Zero: "There is zero chance of rain."
Exercise:
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate determiner.
I saw __________ movie yesterday, and it was amazing!
Can you pass me __________ salt, please?
She won __________ first prize in the competition.
__________ students volunteered to help with the event.
Look at __________ pictures! I took __________ on vacation.
I adopted __________ dog from the shelter.
__________ moon looks beautiful tonight.
I just bought __________ new car, and I love it.
Which book is __________ most interesting to you?
She prefers __________ styles of music, not just pop.
__________ company is proud of __________ innovative approach to technology.
__________ elephant approached. __________ elephant was large and gray.
__________ winter is a lot milder than __________ winter.
__________ people are not to blame. __________ people over there started the fight.
I have __________ cats, and each has __________ own unique personality.
There are already __________ people waiting for a table at this restaurant.
She needs __________ advice on planning a trip.
__________ shoe might match your outfit better.
Can I have __________ cup of tea?
Jesse ate __________ apple and __________ orange.
Answers:
I saw a movie yesterday, and it was amazing!
Can you pass me the salt, please?
She won the first prize in the competition.
Several students volunteered to help with the event.
Look at these pictures! I took those on vacation.
I adopted a dog from the shelter.
The moon looks beautiful tonight.
I just bought a new car, and I love it.
Which book is the most interesting to you?
She prefers other styles of music, not just pop.
The company is proud of its innovative approach to technology.
An elephant approached. The elephant was large and gray.
This winter is a lot milder than that winter.
These people are not to blame. Those people over there started the fight.
I have three cats, and each has its own unique personality.
There are already several people waiting for a table at this restaurant.
She needs some advice on planning a trip.
Other shoe might match your outfit better.
Can I have another cup of tea?
Jesse ate an apple and an orange.
Exercise: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate determiner.
We bought __________ new furniture for __________ living room.
Could you please pass me __________ salt from __________ table?
__________ sun is shining brightly in __________ sky.
I need __________ advice on __________ best way to invest my money.
Have you seen __________ movie with __________ actors I told you about?
She adopted __________ puppy from __________ animal shelter.
__________ team performed well, and they won __________ match.
Please choose __________ book from __________ shelf for our book club.
__________ students are participating in __________ science fair this year.
I found __________ interesting article in __________ newspaper this morning.
__________ man you met yesterday is my brother.
__________ dozen eggs should be enough for __________ baking.
__________ first day of school is always exciting.
I wonder which house is __________ one with __________ beautiful garden.
__________ few people managed to solve __________ challenging puzzle.
Can you recommend __________ good restaurant for __________ dinner tonight?
__________ other students have already submitted __________ assignments.
He is holding __________ umbrella to shield himself from __________ rain.
Let's meet at __________ park near __________ lake.
She is known for __________ kindness and __________ generosity.
Answers:
We bought some new furniture for the living room.
Could you please pass me the salt from the table?
The sun is shining brightly in the sky.
I need some advice on the best way to invest my money.
Have you seen a movie with the actors I told you about?
She adopted a puppy from an animal shelter.
The team performed well, and they won the match.
Please choose a book from the shelf for our book club.
Several students are participating in the science fair this year.
I found an interesting article in the newspaper this morning.
The man you met yesterday is my brother.
A dozen eggs should be enough for some baking.
The first day of school is always exciting.
I wonder which house is the one with the beautiful garden.
A few people managed to solve the challenging puzzle.
Can you recommend a good restaurant for dinner tonight?
The other students have already submitted their assignments.
He is holding an umbrella to shield himself from the rain.
Let's meet at the park near the lake.
She is known for her kindness and generosity.
Complete the sentences by choosing the appropriate determiner from the list. Some sentences may have more than one correct answer.
I have ___ appointment at the dentist's office.
a) a
b) an
c) the
Look at ___ beautiful sunset over there!
a) that
b) those
c) this
d) these
We are planning to visit ___ museum this weekend.
a) our
b) us
c) the
Do you have ___ plans for the weekend?
a) some
b) any
c) every
I saw ___ movie yesterday, and it was fantastic!
a) a
b) an
c) the
___ students in the class must submit their projects by Friday.
a) Every
b) All
c) Some
She needs ___ more time to finish her work.
a) a few
b) a little
c) several
I don't have ___ patience to wait any longer.
a) many
b) much
c) more
___ people attended the concert last night.
a) Few
b) A few
c) Little
Can you pass me ___ salt, please?
a) a
b) an
c) the
I need ___ information about the new project.
a) a little
b) some
c) much
I'll take ___ blue dress on the rack.
a) this
b) that
c) these
d) those
She is not interested in ___ of the job offers.
a) neither
b) either
c) both
I have ___ appointments today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
a) a
b) an
c) the
I saw ___ amazing performance at the theater last night.
a) an
b) the
c) this
___ time is running out; we need to make a decision.
a) Some
b) No
c) The
There is ___ milk left in the refrigerator.
a) any
b) some
c) a little
___ children in the neighborhood play together.
a) Every
b) Each
c) Some
I have ___ reason to doubt his honesty.
a) no
b) none
c) some
She wants to adopt ___ puppy from the animal shelter.
a) a
b) an
c) the
I need ___ assistance with this difficult task.
a) some
b) a little
c) much
I like ___ of the paintings in the art gallery.
a) all
b) both
c) many
___ people can solve this problem on their own.
a) Some
b) Any
c) Every
I'll have ___ cup of coffee, please.
a) a
b) an
c) the
She doesn't have ___ interest in sports.
a) any
b) some
c) few
I visited ___ new restaurant downtown.
a) a
b) an
c) the
There are ___ people waiting outside the theater.
a) many
b) much
c) more
I have ___ idea what to do next.
a) a
b) an
c) the
She will bring ___ dessert to the potluck.
a) some
b) any
c) much
___ books on the shelf are mine.
a) Those
b) These
c) That
d) This
I don't have ___ time to waste.
a) many
b) much
c) more
___ members of the team are here for the meeting.
a) Every
b) All
c) Some
I saw ___ interesting documentary on television last night.
a) an
b) the
c) this
She needs ___ help to move the heavy furniture.
a) a little
b) some
c) much
There is ___ place like home.
a) no
b) none
c) any
I want to adopt ___ cat from the animal shelter.
a) a
b) an
c) the
___ students in the class performed exceptionally well.
a) Every
b) Each
c) Some
I don't have ___ interest in politics.
a) many
b) much
c) more
I'll take ___ red shoes on display.
a) this
b) that
c) these
d) those
She is not interested in ___ of the available options.
a) neither
b) either
c) both
I have ___ appointments tomorrow, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
a) a
b) an
c) the
I saw ___ incredible performance at the theater last night.
a) an
b) the
c) this
___ time is limited; we need to act quickly.
a) Some
b) No
c) The
There is ___ sugar left in the container.
a) any
b) some
c) a little
___ children in the neighborhood play together.
a) Every
b) Each
c) Some
I have ___ doubt about his sincerity.
a) no
b) none
c) some
She wants to buy ___ new dress for the party.
a) a
b) an
c) the
I need ___ advice on how to handle the situation.
a) some
b) a little
c) much
I like ___ of the movies in the film festival.
a) all
b) both
c) many
___ man can solve this complex puzzle.
a) Some
b) Any
c) Every
Answers:
a
c
a
b
a
b
a
b
a
c
a
a
a
a
b
c
b
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
b
b
b
a
a
a
a
a
b
a
a
a
a
c
a
b
a
a
a
a
b
Common Errors:
Common errors associated with determiners:
Missing Article:
Incorrect: "I bought car yesterday."
Correct: "I bought a car yesterday."
Incorrect Article Choice:
Incorrect: "I need an advice."
Correct: "I need some advice."
Using the Indefinite Article with Uncountable Nouns:
Incorrect: "I need a water."
Correct: "I need some water."
Overusing "The":
Incorrect: "I saw the interesting movie yesterday."
Correct: "I saw an interesting movie yesterday."
Using Plural Nouns Without an Article:
Incorrect: "I have dogs."
Correct: "I have some dogs."
Using "Fewer" When "Less" Is Appropriate:
Incorrect: "I have fewer time than you."
Correct: "I have less time than you."
Incorrect Use of Demonstratives:
Incorrect: "Can you pass this salt, please?"
Correct: "Can you pass the salt, please?"
Confusing "Few" and "A Few":
Incorrect: "I have few friends."
Correct: "I have a few friends."
Misplacing Quantifiers:
Incorrect: "Many students enjoyed the party, not."
Correct: "Many students enjoyed the party, not all."
Using Double Negatives Incorrectly:
Incorrect: "I don't need no help."
Correct: "I don't need any help."
Confusing "Each" and "Every":
Incorrect: "I visit the gym each day."
Correct: "I visit the gym every day."
Using "Both" Incorrectly:
Incorrect: "Both of my parents doesn't like coffee."
Correct: "Both of my parents don't like coffee."
Incorrect Use of "Other" and "Another":
Incorrect: "I'll have other cup of tea."
Correct: "I'll have another cup of tea."
Incorrect Use of "Many" and "Much":
Incorrect: "I don't have much friends."
Correct: "I don't have many friends."
Using "This" or "These" to Refer to Distant Objects:
Incorrect: "I like this mountains."
Correct: "I like those mountains."
Misusing Possessive Determiners:
Incorrect: "The cat licked it's paw."
Correct: "The cat licked its paw."
Confusing "Some" and "Any":
Incorrect: "I didn't find any interesting books."
Correct: "I didn't find any interesting books."
Overusing "Any" in Affirmative Sentences:
Incorrect: "I'll take any of the desserts."
Correct: "I'll take one of the desserts."
Using "All" Incorrectly with Plural Nouns:
Incorrect: "All people are kind."
Correct: "All people are kind."
Misusing Interrogative Determiners:
Incorrect: "Which height is the Empire State Building?"
Correct: "What height is the Empire State Building?"
Incorrect Use of "Either" and "Neither":
Incorrect: "I don't like either of the options."
Correct: "I don't like neither of the options."
Using "Some" Instead of "A Few" or "A Little":
Incorrect: "I have some friends coming over."
Correct: "I have a few friends coming over."
Confusing "Few" and "Little":
Incorrect: "I have little time for hobbies."
Correct: "I have few hobbies."
Misplacing "Many" and "Much":
Incorrect: "There are much students in the classroom."
Correct: "There are many students in the classroom."
Misusing "Fewer" and "Less":
Incorrect: "I have less friends than you."
Correct: "I have fewer friends than you."
Using "That" Instead of "Those" for Plural Nouns:
Incorrect: "I like that mountains."
Correct: "I like those mountains."
Incorrect Use of "All" with Uncountable Nouns:
Incorrect: "All water in the bottle is gone."
Correct: "All the water in the bottle is gone."
Using "The" with Uncountable Nouns Generally:
Incorrect: "The patience is a virtue."
Correct: "Patience is a virtue."
Misplacing "Each" and "Every":
Incorrect: "She exercises every day for an hour."
Correct: "She exercises each day for an hour."
Incorrect Use of "The" with Superlatives:
Incorrect: "It was the most interesting party I ever attended."
Correct: "It was the most interesting party I ever attended."
Confusing "Some" and "Any" in Negative Sentences:
Incorrect: "I don't have any money."
Correct: "I don't have any money."
Using "Much" with Countable Nouns:
Incorrect: "There is much books on the shelf."
Correct: "There are many books on the shelf."
Misusing "Few" in Affirmative Sentences:
Incorrect: "Few people appreciate classical music."
Correct: "Many people appreciate classical music."
Incorrect Use of "Any" in Affirmative Sentences:
Incorrect: "I'll take any of the desserts."
Correct: "I'll take one of the desserts."
Confusing "Those" and "Them":
Incorrect: "Give me those keys; I need them."
Correct: "Give me those keys; I need them."
Misusing "Every" and "All" Together:
Incorrect: "Every the students passed the exam."
Correct: "All the students passed the exam."
Incorrect Use of "The" with Plural Countable Nouns Generally:
Incorrect: "The apples are delicious."
Correct: "Apples are delicious."
Using "Some" Instead of "Another":
Incorrect: "I want some cup of tea."
Correct: "I want another cup of tea."
Misplacing "Other" and "Another":
Incorrect: "I'll have another fruit; oranges are my favorite."
Correct: "I'll have another fruit; oranges are my favorite."
Confusing "Which" and "What" in Questions:
Incorrect: "Which is your favorite color?"
Correct: "What is your favorite color?"
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