Using the definite article "the" in English - some tips

em

 Learn how to use the definite article “the” in English!



Do you sometimes wonder if you should use “the” in a sentence — or just leave it out? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many English learners ask the same question.

In this post, we’ll explain when to use “the” (and when not to!) in a clear and simple way. You’ll see useful examples and take a fun quiz to test your knowledge.

Let’s get started! 👇


The Definite Article: “The”

In English, we use “the” to talk about specific people, places, or things.


  • When do we use “the”?

Something mentioned before

I saw a cat. The cat was black.


  • Something unique or known

Open the door, please. (There is only one door here.)


  • To identify something specific

She is the girl with the red jacket.


  • Things that are one of a kind

The sun is shining.


  • Before superlatives

He is the best player.


  • Before ordinal numbers

This is the first time I visit New York.

(But: I live on 5th Avenue. → No the in street names.)


  • Before adjectives referring to groups

The rich live in big houses.


  • Before decades

Music from the 1980s was cool.


  • Before "only" (except for "only child")

She was the only one who passed.


  • Before geographical names (groups, mountains, rivers, oceans, etc.)

We visited the Amazon, the Andes, and the Atlantic Ocean.


  • Before country names in plural or with words like "republic"

The United States, The Netherlands, The Republic of Ireland


  • Before newspaper names

I read it in The Guardian.


  • Before famous buildings and monuments

Have you seen the Eiffel Tower?


  • Before hotels

They stayed at the Hilton Hotel.


  • Before seasons (optional – but used when specific)

I love the summer in Italy.

(However, notice this: Summer is my favorite season.)


👇👇👇

You can watch this video (Portuguese/English) and have another go with this content: https://youtu.be/4_W9FaiVWPc 

Tem um quiz no final do vídeo também.


***************


QUIZ – Choose “the” or leave blank (_)

Add “the” where necessary. Leave it blank if not needed.

Write your answers on a piece of paper so you can check them later.


  1. ___ moon looks beautiful tonight.
  2. I love ___ Italian food.
  3. I saw a bird. ___ bird was small.
  4. He speaks ___ Portuguese and English.
  5. My apartment is on ___ Fifth Avenue.
  6. ___ rich should help the poor.
  7. Brazil is in ___ 21st century now.
  8. I think ___ 1990s had the best music.
  9. ___ summer in Greece is hot.
  10. She is ___ only student in class today.
  11. We arrived home at ___ midnight.
  12. I read it in ___ New York Times.
  13. They visited ___ United Kingdom last year.
  14. He stayed at ___ Ritz Hotel.
  15. We went skiing in ___ Alps.
After you are done with the quiz, check your answers here: KEY

Comentários

Postar um comentário