Beginner 📐 Grammar · #14 of 305

Article: The

Use the for specific or already-known things.

Examples

  • The sun is hot.
  • I saw a cat. The cat was black.

Key rules

  • Use the when both speaker and listener know which one: The door is open
  • Use the for things mentioned before: I saw a cat. The cat was black
  • Use the with unique things: the sun, the moon
  • Use the with superlatives and many place names like the UK

Common mistakes

  • I went to the school yesterday evening (any school) → I went to school
  • Sun is hot → The sun is hot
💡 Tip: Ask: does the listener know exactly which one? If yes, use the.
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Related Beginner topics

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Nouns: Naming Words

A noun names a person, place, thing or idea.

Singular and Plural Nouns

Add -s to most nouns; add -es after s, x, ch, sh.

Irregular Plurals

Some nouns change form instead of adding -s.

Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Countable nouns can be counted; uncountable ones cannot take a/an or plural.

Proper and Common Nouns

Proper nouns name specific things and start with a capital letter.

Subject Pronouns

I, you, he, she, it, we, they replace the subject.