Flashcards: French Definite and Indefinite Articles — 19 cards

What is an article in French grammar?

A short word placed before a noun indicating its gender and number.

What do definite articles refer to in French?

Something known or specific.

What do indefinite articles refer to in French?

Something mentioned for the first time, non-specific, or general.

What is the definite article for masculine singular nouns in French?

Le

Which definite article is used before a vowel or mute h in French?

L’

What definite article is used for plural nouns of either gender in French?

Les

Give an example of a French definite article used with a masculine singular noun.

Le chien

Give an example of a French definite article used before a vowel or mute h.

L’homme

Give an example of a French definite article used with plural nouns.

Les enfants

What is the indefinite article for masculine singular nouns?

Un

Which indefinite article is used for feminine singular nouns?

Une

What indefinite article is used for plural nouns of either gender?

Des

Give an example of an indefinite article with a masculine singular noun.

Un chien

Give an example of an indefinite article with a feminine singular noun.

Une chemise

Give an example of an indefinite article with plural nouns.

Des livres or des fleurs

What is the first step in choosing the correct article?

Determine if the noun is known or specific, or mentioned first time or non-specifically.

After determining noun specificity, what must the article match?

The noun’s gender and number.

What does 'un' indicate in 'Je regarde un chien dans la rue'?

A non-specific dog.

What does 'le' indicate in 'Le chien est dans le jardin'?

A known dog, such as a neighbour’s or previously mentioned dog.