The definite article the in English

The idea

Use the when the listener or reader can identify what you mean, for example after it has been mentioned: I found a key. The key is on the table. It can appear with singular or plural countable nouns and with uncountable nouns: the key, the children, the milk. Context helps determine whether a reference is identifiable.

Examples

• I found a key. The key is on the table.
• Please close the door.
• The bus stops near the library.
• The children are in the garden.
• The milk is in the fridge.
• Can you pass me the blue pen?

Watch out

Do not assume that a noun always takes the after its first mention or that a first mention can never take it. A shared situation can identify something immediately, as in Please close the door.

Try it yourself

1. A key has already been mentioned: ___ key is on the table. (The / A)

   Show answer or example answer

   The

   The refers back to the particular key already mentioned.

2. The listener can identify the door: Please close ___ door. (the / a)

   Show answer or example answer

   the

   the refers to the identifiable door.

3. Ask for the specific blue pen: Pass me ___ blue pen. (the / a)

   Show answer or example answer

   the

   the identifies the particular blue pen.

Use it today

Write two sentences that introduce one object with a or an and then refer back to that same object with the.