Sign in
Nouns and articles, part 4 of 4
The: When and How to Use the Definite Article
Use the for something both people know (close the door), not for things in general: I like dogs, not the dogs.
The idea
What the is
It is the article for something both people know. It is spelled the same with every noun, but English leaves it out in many places.
- Something known. You mentioned it or you both see it: Close the door.
- Something unique. There is only one: the sun, the best.
- In general, no the. Things in general: I like dogs.
When to use it
To talk about something both people know: the door of this house, the sun, the car you already mentioned. These expressions go with it:
At home
- the door
- the kitchen
- the remote
- the lights
Only one
- the sun
- the sky
- the world
- the internet
No the
- go to bed
- have breakfast
- go to work
- by bus
Examples
- Something you mentioned
I have a dog and a cat. The cat is black.
- Something unique
The moon is full tonight.
- Something you both see
Can you open the window?
- The best
This is the best pizza in town.
- You know who
Where are the kids?
- In general, no the
I love dogs.
How to build it
3 steps
- Do you both know which one?If you mentioned it or you both see it, the:Close the door.
- Is there only one?The sun, the world, the best: the.the sun
- Are you talking in general?Plurals in general, languages, meals, and names take no the:I like cats. We speak Spanish.
With the
- theThe
- nounkeys
- rest of the sentenceare in the car.
In general, no the
- SubjectMy kids
- verblove
- plural nouncats.
The rule
When to use the
| When | Example |
|---|---|
| Both people know it | Turn off the TV. |
| You mentioned it | I got a letter. The letter is from Ana. |
| There is only one | The sky is gray. |
| The best, the first | She is the first in line. |
When not to use the
| When | Example |
|---|---|
| Plurals in general | Cats sleep a lot. |
| Languages | We speak Spanish. |
| Meals | We have dinner at eight. |
| People and most countries | Lucía lives in Peru. |
How to pronounce it
the
/ðə/, /ði/Usually /ðə/ before a consonant sound and /ði/ before a vowel sound: the apple, the hour.
Check
I bought a lamp and a rug. (blank) rug is red. Which word goes in the blank?
Don't confuse it with this and that
Pass me the cup.
The: you know which one
Pass me that cup.
That: the one over there
The says you both know which one. This and that also point: near or far.
This, that, these, thoseIn real life
In speech, the is usually a short /ðə/. Before a vowel sound it is /ði/: the apple, the hour. Stressed /ði/ means "the famous one, the real one".
Frequently asked questions
Is it the Mexico or Mexico in English?
Mexico, with no the. Only a few countries take the: plural names or names with United, Republic, or Kingdom: the United States, the Philippines.
Why do you say "go to school" with no the?
Because you mean what you do there (study): go to school, go to bed, go to work. With the you mean the building: The school is closed today.
Do instruments and sports take the?
Instruments do, when you play them: She plays the piano. Sports do not: He plays soccer.
Do days and months take the?
No: on Monday, in May. The weekend does: on the weekend.
In short
- The is the same for one or many: the boy, the girls.
- Use it for something known or unique: the door, the sun.
- In general, no the: I like dogs, not the dogs.
- No the with languages, meals, and names: I speak English.