The Definite Article (the)

“The” is used when referring to something specific or already known.

When to Use “The”

1. Something Specific or Already Mentioned

First mention → a/an, Second mention → the:

• I saw a dog. The dog was brown.
• She bought a car. The car is red.

2. Something Unique (Only One Exists)

• the sun
• the moon
• the Earth
• the sky
• the internet
• the government

3. Superlatives and Ordinals

• the best, the worst, the most beautiful
• the first, the second, the last
• the only, the same

Examples:

• This is the best restaurant in town.
• She was the first to arrive.

4. With “of” Phrases

• the end of the story
• the beginning of the year
• the top of the mountain
• the color of the car

5. Certain Geographic Names

Use “the” with:

• Rivers: the Thames, the Amazon
• Oceans/Seas: the Pacific, the Mediterranean
• Mountain ranges: the Alps, the Himalayas
• Deserts: the Sahara
• Groups of islands: the Bahamas, the Philippines
• Countries with Republic/Kingdom/States: the UK, the USA

6. Nationalities (as a Group)

• the French, the British, the Japanese

7. Musical Instruments

• play the piano
• play the guitar
• play the violin

8. Familiar Places in Context

When both speaker and listener know which one:

• I’m going to the bank. (our usual bank)
• She’s at the hospital. (the local one)
• Let’s meet at the station.

When NOT to Use “The”

1. General Statements (Plural/Uncountable)

• The dogs Dogs are loyal animals.
• The water Water is essential for life.
• The music Music makes me happy.

2. Most Country Names

• the France France
• the Japan Japan
• the Germany Germany

3. Languages

• the English English is spoken worldwide.
• I’m learning the Spanish.

4. Meals

• have the breakfast / lunch / dinner

5. Sports

• play the football / tennis / chess

6. Academic Subjects

• study the mathematics / history

7. Single Mountains and Lakes

• the Mount Everest
• the Lake Geneva

8. Streets and Squares

• the Oxford Street
• the Times Square

Quiz