Uses of Definite Article ‘The’ in English

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Basic English : Definite Article "The"

DEFINITE ARTICLE

DEFINITE ARTICLE "The"

Definite article "the" is used before singular countable noun when it represents a class/kind.

There is one kind of definite article:

1. Article "The"

Uses of Definite articles - "THE"

1. When we refer to a particular person or thing or the one which is already referred.

Examples:

She is the best person I have seen.
He can play the flute.
I arrived in the England last Sunday.

2. The is used before singular countable noun when it represents a class/kind.

Examples:

The businessman will always think of profit & loss.
The cycle is the cheapest mode of transport.
The monkey is funny animal.
Ghee is Rs. 130/- a Kg.

3. The is used in superlative degree.

Examples:

The Ganga is the longest river.
Raj is the youngest student in the class.

4. The is used before all Holy books.

Examples:

The Ramayana, The Mahabharata
The Bible, The Gita, The Quran etc.

5. The is used before the names of inhabitants of the country.

Examples:

The American
The Japanese
The Indian etc.

6. The is used before the name of mountains, hills, rivers, govt. buildings/ ministers/ ministries, airlines, ships, organization, landmarks and countries - union of states.

Examples:

The Ganga is a holy river.
The Himalayas is a highest mountain.
The Mediterranean Sea.
The Dal Lake in Kashmir.
The Pacific Ocean.
The Suez Canal.
The UNESCO does a useful work.

The UNO has offices in all countries.
The Titanic Ship.
The USA/USSR.
The Taj Mahal.
The Prime Minister.
The Defense Department.
-

We do not use definite article “the”

1. Before plural nouns when they are used in general.

Examples:

Children like chocolate.
Computers are used in many schools.
Mangoes are sweet.
Dogs are faithful animals.

2. Before names of languages.

Examples:

We speak English.
They study French.

3. Before common nouns as school, college, church, bed, table, hospital, market, prison, when used for, primary purpose.

Examples:

We studied French at school.
They go to Church on Sunday.
His/her sister is still in hospital/school/college.

4. Before names of relations eg. Like father, mother, aunt, uncle.

Examples:

Mother has returned.
Uncle went to meet him.
Cook has given the recipe.

5. Before the name of meal/food.

Examples:

We had breakfast.
We are having dinner.
Let's go to lunch.

6. In certain phrases consisting of a preposition followed by its object eg. Above, ground, under ground, at home, in debt, by right, at sunrise etc.

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