Sunny Varkey K

English Notes

Definite Article 'The'

A short description of Definite Article is given below. (1) used to refer person(s)/ thing(s)/ event(s) etc Already Referred or when the situation is sufficient to make clear who or what is referred to:

  • I had a beautiful pen and a small purse. I got the pen as a gift from my uncle and I got the purse from my aunt.
  • He is the girl who showed me the way.
  • This is the book I was searching.
  • Please accompany these girls to the convent.( here the convent is already referred/ mentioned)

(2) used when it stands for something Unique.

  • the sun, the moon, the universe, the earth, the sky, the ocean, the sea etc. ( Note that 'The' is omitted before the names of materials as: Gold is a precious metal, Rubber grows in Kerala.)

(3) used before the Superlatives.

  • He is the tallest of all the men.
  • She is the richest lady in our locality.
  • This is the most difficult question I have ever answered.
  • Bus is the cheapest means of transportation in our state.

Note : when 'most' means 'very' the definite is not used.

  • The story was most exciting.
  • This is a most useful book.
  • Most people like this restaurant.
  • Most farmers use chemical fertilizers.

(4) used before names of Seas/ Rivers / Canals etc

  • the Red sea, the Indian ocean, the Mediterranean, the Nile, the river Thames, the Suez canal.

(5) used with adjectives and participles to denote all members of a class.

  • the rich, the poor, the young, the old, the dead, the dying and the wounded.

(6) used before the names of musical instruments.

  • the piano, the violin, the guitar etc ( But, with the names of games it is omitted)
  • to play tennis/ football/ cards/ chess etc)

(7) used when a singular noun is meant to represent a whole class.

  • The horse is a strong animal.
  • The dog is a faithful animal. (But, Dogs are faithful animals)

Note: the two nouns 'man' and 'woman' used in the general sense to denote the whole class never have either article.

  • Man is a social animal.
  • Woman is more peace-loving than man.

(8) used before the names of Holy books.

  • the Bible, the Quran, the Ramayana, the Vedas etc.