Lesson

The...

Specific uses of the

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What is 'the'?

'The' is the definite article in English. We use it to refer to a specific person, thing, place, or idea that is known to the speaker and the listener.

  • Use 'the' when both speaker and listener identify the same item.
  • Use 'the' with unique things (the sun, the CEO).
  • Use 'the' with superlatives and ordinal numbers (the best, the first).
  • Do NOT use 'the' for general, non-specific plural or uncountable nouns when speaking in general.

Table

Common uses of 'the'

Use Explanation Example
Unique items Things that are one of a kind or assumed unique The sun rises in the east.
Previously mentioned When you mention something already introduced I saw a report. The report was helpful.
Specific items (shared knowledge) When speaker and listener know which item is meant Please send the file to the client we discussed.
Superlatives & ordinals When indicating extremes or order She is the best candidate; He was the first to arrive.
Geographical names (specific types) Rivers, seas, mountain ranges, groups of islands, plural country names The Nile, the Alps, the United States, the Philippines
Systems/institutions When referring to an institution generally He works at the bank. The bank closes at 5 PM.

Tip

Key rule: When to use 'the'

Use 'the' when the noun is specific and identifiable to both speaker and listener.

  • Use 'the' for items already mentioned: I bought a laptop. The laptop is fast.
  • Use 'the' for unique items: the internet, the sun.
  • Use 'the' with superlatives and ordinals: the highest, the second report.
  • Omit 'the' for general plural or uncountable nouns: Companies grow; Information is vital.

If you can answer 'which one?' with a clear reference, use 'the'.

Example

Examples in context

The report was sent to the client yesterday.

Please schedule the meeting for Friday morning.

She is the manager of the Paris office.

The data shows a 10% increase in sales.

Tip

Common mistakes with 'the'

Learners often make predictable, universal errors when using 'the'. Watch out for these:

  • Omitting 'the' when referring to a specific, identifiable noun: I will go to _____ bank → I will go to the bank.
  • Using 'the' with general plural or uncountable nouns when speaking in general: The companies are successful (if you mean companies in general, omit 'the').
  • Overusing 'the' with proper names that do not take an article: The Mount Everest (incorrect).
  • Confusing 'the' with demonstratives (this/that) or possessives (my/our): 'the car' vs 'my car' — choose the correct reference.
  • Using 'the' unnecessarily before job titles when not unique: She is the teacher (if you mean she is a teacher in general, use 'a').

Check if the noun is specific and identifiable — that's the main test.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about whether the office is specific and known to both people.

Quiz

Complete: She is _____ CEO of the company.

Hint: Consider whether the title refers to one specific role in the company.

Quiz

Which sentence uses 'the' correctly?

Hint: Think about proper names of geographic features and when articles are used.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

the

article CEFR A1 //ðə, ðiː//

The definite article used to refer to specific nouns known to speaker and listener.

The contract was signed on Monday.

GrammarPoint

definite article

noun CEFR B1 //ˈdɛfɪnɪt ˈɑːtɪkəl//

A word that specifies a particular noun (English: 'the').

Use the definite article when the listener knows which item you mean.

GrammarPoint

zero article

noun CEFR B1 //ˈzɪərəʊ ˈɑːtɪkəl//

The absence of an article when referring to nouns in general (e.g., 'Companies grow').

Information is important for decision-making.

GrammarPoint

superlative

noun CEFR B2 //suːˈpɜːlətɪv//

A form expressing the highest degree (the best, the largest).

She delivered the best presentation of the quarter.

GrammarPoint

proper noun

noun CEFR B1 //ˈprɒpər naʊn//

A specific name for a person, place, or organization (e.g., Paris, Microsoft).

We have an office in Paris.

GrammarPoint

indefinite article

noun CEFR A2 //ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt ˈɑːtɪkəl//

Words ('a' or 'an') used before singular, non-specific nouns.

I need a copy of the report.