Definite Article (the)

Using the to refer to specific people, things and places.

BeginnerPreviously Mentioned Nouns

Use the when referring to a noun that has already been mentioned.

After introducing a noun with a/an, use the when referring to the same person or thing because it is now known to the listener.

BeginnerShared Knowledge

Use the when both the speaker and listener know which person or thing is meant.

The noun is identifiable from the situation or shared knowledge, even if it has not been mentioned before.

BeginnerUnique Things

Use the with things that are unique or generally considered unique.

Examples include the sun, the moon, the Earth, the universe and the internet.

BeginnerSpecific Objects Defined by a Phrase

Use the when a following phrase or clause identifies the noun.

The noun becomes definite because additional information specifies exactly which one is meant.

BeginnerSuperlatives

Use the before superlative adjectives.

Examples include the best, the tallest, the most interesting and the least expensive.

BeginnerOrdinal Numbers

Use the before ordinal numbers.

Examples include the first, the second, the third and the last.

BeginnerThe Only, Same and Main

Use the before only, same, main and similar adjectives.

Examples include the only answer, the same person and the main reason.

BeginnerMusical Instruments

Use the when talking about playing a musical instrument in general.

Examples include play the piano, play the violin and play the guitar.

BeginnerNationality Adjectives

Use the before nationality adjectives referring to groups of people.

Examples include the French, the Dutch, the English and the Chinese.

BeginnerFamilies

Use the before family names when referring to the whole family.

Examples include the Smiths and the Johnsons.

BeginnerRivers, Seas and Oceans

Use the with rivers, seas, oceans and canals.

Examples include the Thames, the Nile, the Mediterranean and the Pacific Ocean.

BeginnerMountain Ranges, Deserts and Island Groups

Use the with mountain ranges, deserts and groups of islands.

Examples include the Alps, the Sahara and the Canary Islands.

BeginnerCountries and Regions

Use the with countries and regions whose names are plural or descriptive.

Examples include the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

BeginnerOrganizations and Public Buildings

Use the with many organizations, museums, hotels, theatres and newspapers.

Whether the is used depends on the official name and established usage.

BeginnerBody Parts

Use the instead of a possessive adjective in certain expressions.

This commonly occurs after verbs such as hit, grab, kiss, pat and pull.

BeginnerGeneric Singular Nouns

Use the with a singular noun to represent an entire class in formal English.

Examples include The elephant is the largest land mammal.

BeginnerComparative Structures

Use the in comparative patterns such as the more..., the better....

These structures express proportional change between two ideas.

BeginnerFixed Expressions with "the"

Many fixed expressions require the.

Examples include in the morning, at the moment, on the whole and by the way.

BeginnerProper Nouns with "the"

Some proper nouns require the while most do not.

Whether the is used depends on the type of proper noun and established convention.

BeginnerWhen Not to Use "the"

Do not use the with most personal names, cities, streets, languages, meals or individual mountains and lakes.

English has many important exceptions, but these categories normally do not take the definite article.