Grammar

The (Definite Article)

Use 'the' when it is clear which specific thing you mean — because it was already mentioned, is unique, or is known from the situation.

Post

Level A2 Articles

Summary

Use 'the' when it is clear which specific thing you mean — because it was already mentioned, is unique, or is known from the situation.

Structure

the + singular, plural, or uncountable noun

Examples

Common mistakes

• Don't use 'the' for general plurals: NOT 'I like the dogs' (in general) → 'I like dogs.'
• Don't omit 'the' with unique things: NOT 'Moon is bright' → 'The moon is bright.'

Related

A / An (Indefinite Article) Zero Article (No Article)

More articles

A / An (Indefinite Article) A1

Use 'a' or 'an' before singular countable nouns when you mention something for the first time or talk about it in a general, non-specific way. Use 'a' before a consonant sound and 'an' before a vowel sound.

Zero Article (No Article) A2

Use no article with plural and uncountable nouns when talking generally, and with most names of people, countries, meals, languages, and abstract ideas.

Much, Many, A Lot Of A2

Use 'many' with countable nouns and 'much' with uncountable nouns, usually in questions and negatives. 'A lot of' works with both and is common in positive statements.

A Few and A Little A2

'A few' means a small but positive amount with countable nouns; 'a little' does the same for uncountable nouns. Without 'a', 'few' and 'little' sound more negative.

All, Every, Each B1

'All' refers to a whole group together; 'every' and 'each' look at members one by one. 'Every' takes a singular noun and a singular verb, as does 'each'.

Both, Either, Neither B1

These words talk about two things. 'Both' means the two together, 'either' means one or the other, and 'neither' means not one and not the other.

External links

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