In this lesson, we'll be looking at the definite article in more detail and how to use it in speech.

Identifying Nouns with the Definite Article

The definite article "the" is used with a common noun when it is specific for the speaker and the listener as a result of the information they share. Here are a few of the ways that speakers and listeners can share information about a noun:

Already mentioned

In this case, the listener can identify the common noun because it has already been mentioned previously. The speaker uses "the" when the noun is mentioned again. However, remember that you do not have to repeat the exact same words.

First Mentioned

I knitted a scarf and a hat for my sister.

A little girl fell off her bike.

Mentioned Again

The scarf was perfect, but the hat was too big.

The poor girl was crying in pain.

Seeing it and hearing it

Another way that the listener can identify the noun if he or she can see or hear it.

milk

Valerie: Be careful! Don't let the cat onto the table. He will spill the milk.

Jose: Sorry! I'll remember that for next time.

Familiar Nouns

Sometimes, when certain names of places and things are very familiar to the speaker, "the" is most frequently used with these nouns. Although the listener might not know exactly what the noun is, it is assumed that the noun refers to a place or thing that the speaker regularly goes to, or an obect that he or she regularly uses. Below are some examples of familiar nouns that you might come across:

  • the pool
  • the movies
  • the park
  • the gym
  • the dentist
  • the newspaper
  • the mall
  • the kitchen
  • the bank
  • the bakery
  • the spa
  • the bathroom
  • the gas station
  • the TV
  • the supermarket

Here is an example:

apples

When you go to the supermarket, can you buy some apples? And remember to pick me up from the dentist on your way home.

Unique Nouns

A noun can also be identified by the listener if it is unique (there is only one). Here are some examples of unique nouns:

restaurant

Our boss took us to the new restaurant in town, and ordered the most expensive wine on the menu.

sun

The Sun is gigantic compared to the Earth.

Exercise

Please open the exercise to continue.

Exercises

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