4.27: Introduction to ¿Hay estudiantes en la clase?

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In this section we’ll be looking at definite and indefinite articles in Spanish. First, let’s consider what articles are. There are three articles in the English language: the, a, and an. These are divided into two types of articles: definite (the) and indefinite (a, an). The definite article indicates a level of specificity that the indefinite does not. “An apple” could refer to any apple; however “the apple” is referring back to a specific apple. Thus, when using the definite article, the speaker assumes the listener knows the identity of the noun’s referent (because it is obvious, because it is common knowledge, or because it was mentioned in the same sentence or an earlier sentence). Use of an indefinite article implies that the speaker assumes the listener does not have to be told the identity of the referent. (Click here for more on definite and indefinite articles in English).

This section will also look at how yes/no questions are formed in Spanish.