Articles are the shortest and the most commonly used adjectives. We use them to modify nouns. There are mainly two kinds of articles:

• Definite- THE
• Indefinite- A, AN

Definite Article is used before a noun that is either specific or has been previously used.

For example: “Do you think a painting is worth buying?”

(Here, we are talking about a general painting) 

 

For example - “Do you think the painting on this wall is worth buying?”

(Here ‘the’ article refers to a particular/specific painting. The specificity is determined by location ‘on this wall’ in this example)

 

• Definite article is used with Singular and Plural Nouns.

 

→Singular:

For example: I have the pen that Neha gave me.

(Here, we are talking about the specific red pen that Neha gave and not a general red pen)

 

→Plural: 

For example: She has two children. The children are well mannered.

(Here, we are talking about the children already mentioned earlier)

 

• Definite article is used with Countable and Uncountable Nouns.

 

→Countable:

For example: The presentation is ready.

(Here, we are talking about the specific presentation)

 

→Uncountable:

For example: The feeling after completing a project is amazing.

(Here, we are talking about the particular feeling)

Things to remember while using definite article:

1. Definite article is used with some countries.-

- The United States              ( ✓ )

- The United Kingdom         ( ✓ )

- The Germany                      ( Χ )

( The countries that have a group of states/regions in their name, include article ‘the’ in their name)

2. Definite article is not used with names of cities/ towns/ states.

- I am going to the Pune.  ( Χ )

- I am going to Pune.        ( ✓ )

3. Definite article is used with monuments and special buildings.

- The Eiffel Tower

- I am standing behind the India Gate.

4. Definite article is not used with languages.

- I am learning to speak the French.  ( Χ )

- I am learning to speak French.        ( ✓ )   

5. Definite article is used with mountain ranges.

- The K2

- The Himalayas 

6. Definite article is not used with individual mountain names.

- Mount Rushmore 

 

The next time you feel unsure whether to use ‘the’ in a context ask yourself which? if there is an answer, usage of ‘the’ is appropriate.

“Give me the pen”  - which pen? - “Give me a pen”

“Give me the green pen” - which pen? - ‘the green one’

Now you are ready to use definite articles appropriately!