Types of nominal groups

indefinite common nouns
specific x non-specific
Can be: count, singular, indefinite, specific I have bought a new car
count, singular, indefinite, non-specific I need a new car
Þ we can distinguish because of the verb
count, plural, indefinite, specific I have got some friends in the UK
Þ some is used rather than 0 article
count, plural, indefinite, non-specific I have got friends in the UK
Þ they aren’t really friends
mass, plural, indefinite, non-specific We have brought some food
Þ some items to eat
mass, plural, indefinite, non-specific We can’t go without food
Þ food in general

Indefinite proper nouns:
Refer to the unique entity (months, days)
Is there a John Smith in this class? Þ indefinite person
I was born on a Monday.
We had a very hot June last year.
Metonyms: I have got a Goya at home. Þ painting from him

Definite common nouns:
Implies already specific
– If a common noun represents unique social role as a subject ® the definiteness is with 0 article
He soon became director of the company.
– Common complements in minor clauses followed by when, which, if, although
While Minister, he introduced many useful reforms.

Definite proper nouns:
Are by nature already definite
The John Smith who is in my class. Þ there is more than one John Smith
The Sunday that we met.
The Christmas of last year.

Generic nouns:
Used in statements which one entity represents the whole class of entities
a / an + singular count noun An elephant never forgets.
the + singular count noun The elephant never forgets.
Þ singular form represents the whole class collection of all the possible elephant
on the world
0 + plural count noun. Elephants never forget
Þ all members posses the same quality
0 + mass count Science proceeds at a rapid pace.