Use the with superlatives, ordinals, same, only, and next or last because they all identify something specific, as in he is the tallest boy in the class or she was the first person to arrive. The is required in these cases and cannot be dropped.
Grammar Rule
The is required with superlatives, ordinals, same, only, and next/last because they identify something specific.
The with Superlatives: Rules and Examples
| Use | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Superlatives | always with the | He is the tallest boy in the class. |
| Ordinals / order words | always with the | She was the first person to arrive. The next train leaves at five. |
| same / only | always with the | We live in the same city. This is the only solution we have. |
Remember: the is required with superlatives, ordinals, same, only, and next/last.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the correctly with superlatives and specific references. 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.
Articles – Use of "The" with Superlatives and Specific References
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the go before superlatives?
The goes before superlatives because a superlative always identifies one specific thing out of a group, as in he is the tallest boy in the class.
Does the go before ordinal numbers too?
Yes, the also goes before ordinals and order words, such as first, next, and last, as in the next train leaves at five.
What other words always require the?
Words like same and only always require the, as in we live in the same city or this is the only solution we have.
Can you drop the before a superlative?
No, the is required before a superlative in standard English and cannot be dropped.