Definite Article in English: How to Use, Examples, Learning Tips and Practice Questions With Answers

‘The’ is the definite article used in English grammar. It is used with singular, plural, or uncountable nouns and refers to a specific noun or a noun that the speaker and listener both know about because it has been mentioned before, or because it's clear from the context. "The" is also used with superlative adjectives.

Let’s take a look at some examples:

• The cat is sleeping on the couch.

Explanation: The listener knows which cat is being referred to

• The book on the table is mine.

Explanation: The listener knows which book is being referred to

• The sun is shining brightly today.

Explanation: There is only one sun in our solar system

• She is the tallest girl in the class.

Explanation: The is used with the superlative adjective ‘the’

 

In Oxford English, the definite article is "the". It is used to refer to specific, identifiable nouns that the speaker and listener both understand. It can also be used with nouns that are unique or when referring to something in general.

According to Cambridge dictionary, the grammatical name for the word "the" in English, or the words in other languages that have a similar use.

It is pronounced as:

uk  /ˌdef.ɪ.nət ˈɑː.tɪ.kəl/

us  /ˌdef.ɪ.nət ˈɑːr.t̬ɪ.kəl/

Also Read: 

Prefixes: Important Tips and Tricks 

Suffix in English: Examples and Error Areas 

Students should keep in mind the below mentioned rules, while using the definite article in English sentences:

When the noun is previously mentioned 

When a noun has already been introduced in the conversation or text, use ‘the’ for subsequent references to that noun. For example:

• I saw a car. The car was red.
• I met Reena in school. The girl is quite intelligent.

When the noun is unique or known

When there is only one of something in a particular context, or when the listener knows what is being referred to, "the" is used. For example:

• The sun is shining.
• The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.

To define or identify the noun

"The" can be used to point out a specific instance of a noun. For example:

• The book on the table is mine.
• The car she is driving is old.

The definite article follows the below mentioned structure:

Structure	Description	Examples
"The" + noun	It places "the" directly before the noun it modifies	·       The book is on the table. ·       The students are running here and there.
"The" + adjective + noun	"The" can also be used with adjectives to specify a particular quality of the noun.	·       The blue skirt suits you well. ·       This is the tallest building in our area.
"The" with superlative adjectives	Superlative adjectives (e.g., best, biggest, fastest) always require "the"	·       It is one of the best movies I saw in recent times. ·       The tallest girl is standing in the last.

Also Read: 

• English Direct and Indirect Speech
• English Figures of Speech

 

While in most cases the definite article "the" is generally used to refer to specific nouns, but there are exceptions as well. Let’s take a look at them in detail:

Countries 

Generally, singular country names don't use "the". For example:

• I live in the Japan. (incorrect)
• I live in Japan. (correct)

However, "the" is used with countries that are plural or have descriptive words in their names. For example:  

• Donald Trump is President of the United States. (incorrect)
• Donald Trump is the President of the United States. (correct)

Languages

"The" is not used before the names of languages. For example:

• The English is an important language (incorrect)
• English is an important language. (correct)

Meals

"The" is typically omitted before names of meals. For example:

• Have your the breakfast. (incorrect)
• Have your breakfast. (correct)

People's Names

"The" is generally not used before singular proper names. For example:

• The John is an intelligent boy. (incorrect)
• John is an intelligent boy. (correct)

Titles with Names

When a title precedes a person's name, "the" is usually omitted. For example:

• The Professor Smith is absent today. (incorrect)
• Professor Smith is absent today. (correct)

However, "the" is used when the title follows the name or when referring to the title itself

• Donald Trump is President of the United States. (incorrect)
• Donald Trump is the President of the United States. (correct)

 

Professions

"The" is usually omitted when referring to professions in a general sense. For example:

• He is the doctor. (incorrect)
• He is a doctor. (correct)

Shops

"The" is often omitted when referring to shops by their name. for example:

• I'm going to the Pizza Hut. (incorrect)
• I'm going to Pizza Hut. (correct)

Uncountable Nouns

"The" can be used with uncountable nouns when referring to a specific instance or quantity. For example:

• Water in the ocean is salty. (incorrect)
• The water in the ocean is salty. (correct)

However, it's often omitted when referring to the noun in a general sense. For example:

• The water is essential for life. (incorrect)
• Water is essential for life. (correct)

Years

"The" is not used before years. For example:

• I was born I the 1997. (incorrect)
• I was born in 1997. (correct)

Fixed Expressions

There are many fixed expressions where "the" is not used. For example:

• I am going to the bed. (incorrect)
• I am going to bed. (correct)

Also Read: 

English Sentences: Types and Examples

English Subject and Predicate

To effectively use the definite article in English language, students need to understand its meaning and use cases. Learn to recognize its use with unique items, nouns mentioned previously, and in specific contexts like superlative adjectives.

Here are few tips on how you can master the use of definite article in your language:

• Understand its core function that ‘the’ is used for nouns which are specific, singular and unique in their context, or have already been introduced or is understood from the context.
• Practice with lots of examples that will give clarity on how to use ‘the’ with unique nouns or superlatives (as mentioned above)
• Avoid using "the" when a general noun is intended.
• Keep in mind the special cases and exceptions while using the definite article.
• Expose yourself to various texts, from books and articles to websites.
• Pay attention to how speakers use "the" in conversations and media. Practice using "the" in your own speech and writing.

Also Read: 

• What are Etymology and Roots in English?
• Important Spelling Rules in English

 

Students can identify ‘the’ as the definite article by following the simple steps mentioned below:

1. Look for the word "the", the only definite article in English. ‘The’ is used when we are talking anything specific. Example:

• The sun is shining
• The cat is sitting on this bench since morning.
• The tree is 100 years old.

 

2. Check if it modifies a noun. The definite article always precedes a noun or a noun phrase. In this context, ‘the’ is never used in the middle of the sentence or after the noun. Example:

• The students of this class are very bright.
• The restaurant serves really good food.

 

3. Consider the context. If the sentence implies that the noun is already known or specific to the situation, then "the" is likely being used correctly. Example:

• The book I was reading is a bestseller.
• The dress I wore in yesterday’s party is very old.

Also Read: 

• English Vocabulary: Important Tips to Know
• English Subject Verb Agreement

Students can keep in mind below mentioned pointers to avoid unnecessary mistakes while using ‘the’ in English sentences:

 

1. Don’t overuse the definite article. Avoid using it when referring things in general. For example:

• I like the apples (incorrect
• I like apples. (correct)

 

2. Avoid using "the" before names of people, most countries, cities, and institutions unless it's part of the official name. For example:

• My name is the Riya. (incorrect)
• My name is Riya. (correct)
• I live in United States (incorrect)
• I live in the United States. (correct)

 

3. Avoid using ‘the’ with Uncountable nouns like "water," "information," "advice" . For example:

• The water is essential (incorrect)
• Water is essential. (correct)

 

4. When referring to eating meals in general, don't use "the". For example

• I eat the breakfast (incorrect)
• I eat breakfast. (correct)

Also Read: 

• Active and Passive Voice in English: Rules and Examples