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
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