VOA慢速英语:Everyday Grammar: Using the Right Article

短语讲解：
1. According to Professor Elka Todeva of the SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vermont, "a" and "the" are also some of the most difficult words for learners to figure out how to use without some assistance.

according to 根据
例句：According to her, grandfather called at noon.
据她说,祖父在中午打来电话。

2. As a result, figuring out the logic of English articles can be challenging.

as a result 结果， 因此
例句：Our water supply has diminished as a result of the drought.
由于旱灾我们的水贮备减少了。

3. Pay attention to the way "a" turns into "the" with the second mention of the old man and the old woman.

pay attention to 注意
例句：Don't pay attention to anything he says. He lies like a gas meter.
不要理睬他的话，他一味撒谎。

4. Another important pattern involves general statements. General statements refer to all, or many members of a group.

refer to 参考; 指的是; 涉及
例句：Don' t refer to that problem again, please.
请不要再提那个问题了。

5. For example, "Politicians only care about money."

care about 关心; 在乎; 关怀
例句：A selfish person does not care about other people's problem.
自私的人是不关心别人的困难的。