When to use “the” in English can be confusing for beginners, especially if their native language does not have any “articles”. In English, these are (the/a/and). Knowing how to use articles is important not only for writing but also for speaking English.
What is an article:
Articles are a type of adjective used to modify nouns that generally refer to people, places, or objects. In English, these articles are (the/a/an). Articles can be split into; definite (the) and indefinite (a/an).
The definite article (the) should be used in reference to specific nouns whether they’re objects, people, or places; when the noun’s identity is known by the reader. Whereas indefinite articles (a/an) are to be used with non-specific nouns when the identity of the noun is not known.
Count & non-count nouns:
Nouns are used to identify objects, people, and places in English. They can be divided into two different groups, count and non-count nouns. Count nouns are used in reference to people, places, and things that can be counted, and are either singular or plural. Whereas non-count nouns are used to refer to more abstract concepts and things that cannot be counted and are always singular.
What is a definite article?
A definite article (the) is used before a noun to define a specific object, person, place, or idea. “The” is generally used to modify a noun in order to show its specificity.
When to use the?
When there is only one of something being referred to
- The car is black
- The door is locked
- We need to find the toy for the girl
Used in reference to something that has already been mentioned
- A new listing went up with my company. The job will be hard work.
- I wanted to go outside and decided to go to the beach.
- I need a dress for an event, the red dress will be perfect.
When followed by a superlative adjective
Superlatives are used to help express and amplify the highest quality or degree of an adjective and are one of the easiest to remember for the rules; when to use the.
- That is the longest road I’ve seen
- She has the most beautiful hair
- This is the most boring movie I’ve seen
Usage in geography
With countries
When to use the with countries can be a bit tricky. Only use if the country’s name is plural or if it indicates a group.
- The United States
- He lived in America. (Notice how we did not use “the“)
- The Netherlands
Compass directions
Only use “the“ if the direction is referred to a definite region, if it refers to a general direction, do not use it. Another rule of thumb is that; if the direction follows a “verb” do not use “the“.
- She went south. (Notice how we did not use “the” because direction follows a verb)
- The South of Taiwan is hotter than the North.
Oceans, seas, rivers, canals, bays, groups of islands, and mountain ranges (not the single ones)
- The Pacific
- The Nile
- Mount Everest (since it is not a mountain range)
With points on the globe
- The North Pole is one of the coldest places on earth.
Other usages
The words, king and queen
- The Queen of England
When a unique noun is referred
- The Moon
Before the names of musical instruments
- I taught myself how to play the guitar.
When not to use (the)?
- If the name of the country is not plural or does not indicate a group/territory: Turkey, Bulgaria, Mongolia
- Names of states, towns, and cities: Istanbul, Budapest, Ulaanbaatar
- Street names
- If the name of “late, bay” does not indicate a group of lakes, etc.: Lake Michigan
- If the mountain is not a range of mountains but a single one: Mount Everest
- Continent names: Asia, Europe
- Island names, if it is not an island chain: Kingfisher Shores, Easter Island, Banana Springs
What are indefinite articles?
Indefinite articles; A/An are used before nouns referring to people, places, objects, or ideas that are unspecific.
When should indefinite A be used?
The indefinite article A should always be used before a word that begins with a consonant.
- That is a beautiful bag
- You have a gorgeous home
- It has been a wonderful day
When should indefinite article An be used?
An is used before a word beginning with a vowel.
- I had an amazing idea
- That was an epic stage play
- I only ate an orange
When should you not use articles?
- With names of sports: I really enjoy watching tennis
- With names of languages: She speaks French fluently
- Before abstract nouns: We are in grave danger
What are count nouns?
Count nouns are nouns used to refer to people, places, and objects that can be counted.
- I have a box of twenty hats
- There are ten cars parked on this street
- She picked five apples from the orchard
What are Non-count nouns?
Non-count nouns usually refer to items, qualities, or concepts that cannot be counted and usually do not have plural forms.
- She is a loyal friend
- The lake is completely frozen over
- My mother gives the best advice
“The” End!
Articles are hard to learn for beginners in any language and English is no exception. Especially if your native language does not have articles, learning when to use the,a, and an “properly” will take time. Although, when it comes to using them, getting yourself familiar with the rules mentioned is crucial because overuse of articles is as misuse as not using them at all.
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