The definite article the shows that both speaker and listener already know exactly what or who is being talked about. Use it for something already mentioned, for unique things like the sun, and in situations where the context makes the noun clear, as in close the door.
Grammar Rule
The shows that we already know exactly what or who we are talking about.
The Definite Article: Rules and Examples
| Use | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Already mentioned | a/an first, the after | I saw a cat. The cat was black. |
| Unique things | always the | The sun is bright. The moon is far away. |
| Known context | the + noun | Close the door, please. |
Remember: the shows we already know exactly what or who we are talking about.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below deciding whether to use the definite article the. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Definite Article – The
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do you use the for something already mentioned?
Use the the second time you refer to something already introduced, as in I saw a cat, then the cat was black.
Do you use the with unique things like the sun?
Yes. Unique things that everyone recognizes, like the sun or the moon, always take the.
Why do you say close the door and not close door?
Because the context makes it clear which door you mean, so English requires the before the noun.
Is the used the same way for singular and plural nouns?
Yes. The definite article the does not change form for singular or plural nouns.