French Indefinite Articles

Engaging Questions

• What are the indefinite articles in English ?

Teacher Goals

• Students will learn correct usage of French indefinite articles.

Required Resources

• Books

  • French/English dictionary
  • French grammar

Steps

1. Forms

   The French indefinite article has three forms:

   Gender	Singular	Plural
   Masculine	un	des
   Feminine	une	des

   Use an indefinite article before a noun to indicate "a" or "an" in the singular and "some" or "any" in the plural. The indefinite article must agree in "number" and "gender" with the noun it precedes.

2. Use of French indefinite articles

   1. The singular article un/une may mean "a," "an," or "one." The meaning of the article must be determined from the context of the sentence.
   2. The plural article des may mean "some"or "any." Its meaning must be determined from the context of the sentence.
   3. Use an indefinite article before each noun in a series. Examples: J'ai un livre, une trousse, et un cahier.
   4. Omit the indefinite article before an unmodified noun that follows the verb "tre" (to be). Example: Je suis professeur. However, you must use the indefinite article before a modified noun that follows "tre." Example: Je suis un bon professeur.
   5. Omit the indefinite article after the exclamation "quel(le)," what a . . .! Examples: Quel livre ! ( What a book !) Quelle pagaille ! ( What a mess ! ).

Teacher Notes

• This tool will teach or remind students of the rules concerning the usage of indefinite articles.

• Duration: 15 minutes.

Mentor Notes

• This tool will teach your son or daughter the rules concerning usage of indefinite articles.