A ,an, and the usage

1 2    Share on Facebook

	sunsail  #599665  Sun, 30 Nov 08 08:53 AM Hi, I know that "a" and "an" are used for countable nouns to tell one piece of item."the" is used for to tell one particular item.I wonder whether I have to use "a" or "an"? for instance, I started working at telecom company I started working at a telecom company which one is correct or in the meaning what makes difference? Thanks    sunsail Joined on Mon, Aug 18 2008 New Member (19)
Select Tags... SaveCancel Grammar, Nouns, Countable Nouns

	Mister Micawber  #599670  Sun, 30 Nov 08 09:02 AM . This one is correct:  I started working at a telecom company.  The other is no good. .    Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member (23,392) 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'

	sunsail  #599707  Sun, 30 Nov 08 09:29 AM hi, why is this correct? could you please explain Thanks    sunsail

	Mister Micawber  #599714  Sun, 30 Nov 08 09:38 AM . "a" and "an" are used for countable nouns    Mister Micawber
Nouns, Countable Nouns

	sunsail  #599809  Sun, 30 Nov 08 11:26 AM Well, strange, there is a commercial on tv.I watch it everyday ? I am little bit confused :) additionally,do I always have to use "a" or "an" ? or is there times I shouldnot use Thanks    sunsail

	Mister Micawber  #599816  Sun, 30 Nov 08 11:40 AM . It is possible if 'Telecom' is the name of the company -- 'I started working at Telecom Company, Ltd -- but more likely the article is just unstressed and difficult to perceive. A or an is used before all singular countable nouns except those preceded by demonstrative adjectives (this, that) and possessive adjectives (his, my, etc.) .    Mister Micawber
Articles, Possessives, Nouns, Countable Nouns, Demonstrative Adjectives

	sunsail  #599817  Sun, 30 Nov 08 11:43 AM Hi, It is not the name of the company.I am 100% sure of it. how is it understood? if it is said," at a telecom company"? thanks    sunsail

	Mister Micawber  #599819  Sun, 30 Nov 08 11:46 AM . He works at an unnamed company in the telecommunications industry. .    Mister Micawber

	sunsail  #599826  Sun, 30 Nov 08 11:48 AM so commercial makes a grammer mistake apparently,right? which native english speaking suprise when they hear or this commercial cannot be published in UK /USA    sunsail