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SYNTAX OF THE ARTICLES.

RULE I.

THE Indefinite article a or an is prefixed to nouns in the singular number only; as, A house.*

The Definite article the is prefixed to nouns of both numbers; as, The house, the houses.

The definite article is used before comparatives and superlatives; as, The sooner he comes the better; I like this the least.

Supply the Articles, where wanted, in the following

EXERCISES.

His father was attorney in the country. I

* A may be used before a present participle; as, They are gone a hunting; a maying; a courting; a masquing. It sometimes signifies each, every; as, He comes twice a week.

will give their abilities trial. He was naturally coward, and was therefore always left behind when there was necessity to leap hedge, to swim river, or to force horses to their utmost speed. These men were well versed in geographical knowledge of their times. Pleasure of luxury many have been able to despise. It will be found upon nearer view to be correct. The more I know of him, more amiable does he appear. The closer your application, sooner will you succeed. I am more anxious to know because we have not heard from him lately. Which of these colours is most fashionable? Lilac is now most prevailing. My pen makes too thick upstroke. At worst I could but incur a gentle reproof. At best his gift was but a poor offering, when we consider his wealth.

RULE II.

The antecedent to a restrictive clause is preceded by the definite article; as, All the pupils that were present, have been rewarded.

EXERCISES.

Most of cavaliers who entered the arena,

F

were splendidly equipped. For the safe delivery of all parcels that are booked, the proprietors are responsible. Persons who suffered by this calamity have been much commiserated; and a large subscription has been raised for their benefit. All persons who were consulted were of this opinion. Men who are easily exasperated are dangerous. Foreign travel, and things which he has seen, have enlarged his views. All members who did not appear were fined.

RULE III.

A repetition of the definite article often takes place before titles; as, The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of London.

EXERCISES.

His work was dedicated to the Right Rev. Lord Bishop of Worcester. The Archbishop of Canterbury is styled Metropolitan and Primate of all England. The very reverend Dean was present, and permitted the boys to view the whole interior of the abbey. It was directed to the Worshipful Mayor of Bristol. They were introduced to the Right Honourable Chancellor of the Exchequer. He is styled the right honourable Lord Mayor of London.

RULE IV.

The article is repeated before a succession of adjectives, when applied to nouns of a different import; as, the New and the Old Testament: but not otherwise; The wisest and best of men are liable

as,

to err.

EXERCISES.

There was a great difference between the dispensations of the Law and Gospel. His eloquent discourses attracted both the high and low; the learned and illiterate. The animal and vegetable world abound with infinite variety. They did not ascertain the difference between the Anglo-Saxon and Norman modes.-A good and a wise man is never less alone than when alone. The high and the mighty States. The venerable and the pious Archbishop officiated at the coronation. He was the open and the avowed advocate of this measure.

RULE V.

When a word beginning with a consonant is connected with another begin

ning with a vowel, the indefinite article a or an must be correctly applied to each; as, A noble and an impartial judge.

EXERCISES.

He is an accurate, candid, and elegant writer. There is another and better world. Do not engage in dangerous sports; an eye is soon lost, or bone broken. Henry is a dutiful and affectionate boy. This is an easier and shorter way of settling the business. Both as an historian and philosopher he ranked high. This is a useful and entertaining employment. I doubt not that he will become an honest, learned, and well-bred man. This may be made an useful as well as an agreeable way of diversifying a story.

RULE VI.

The article is omitted before abstract nouns; as, Goodness indicates a generous heart; and before nouns used in an unlimited sense; as, Man is mortal and also before partitives; as, To buy food are thy servants come.

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