Article 'THE'

           

ARTICLE "THE" RULES

  

Article ‘The” should be used with any noun (either singular or plural, countable or uncountable) which is definite or specific in meaning. This is also known as BASIC RULE

Example- The boy sitting next to me is my brother.   (Definite noun- boy)

Other than this, we also use ‘The’ in the following cases:

1.                 Article ‘The’ should be used before the following structure of the sentence –

The   NOUN + OF + NOUN   

Example- The tea of Assam is known for malty flavour, and strong, bright colour.

2.                 We use article ‘the’ to define a noun that refers to something or someone that is unique.

Example-  The Sun rises in the east.

                     The theory of relativity.

                     The 2008 Federal budget.

                     You can go anywhere in the world.

3.     Article "the" is used to refer to group of people by use of an adjective. ( The poor/ the rich/the needy/the sick/the elderly)

Example- i) The rich are different from you and me.

ii)The open spaces in the university campus were utilized to give shelter to the homeless crowds

4.     Article ‘The’ should be used before the country names which contains adjective (united, republic) and also we use article ‘the’ with plural country names.

Example- The United States/The Soviet Union/The Republic of Congo

And the Netherlands/ the United Arab Emirates/The Philippines/ The Maldives.

5.     We use article ‘the’ with rivers, oceans, seas, groups of Mountains & islands.

Example- The Mississippi River/ The Amazon/ The Atlantic/ The Mediterranean/ The Bahamas

6.     We use article ‘the’ before the names of points on the globe.

Example- the Equator, the North Pole

7.     We use article ‘the’ before the names of mountain ranges .

Example- the Smoky Mountains, the Andes

8.     We use article ‘the’ before the names of geographical areas.

Example- the East, the Midwest

9.     We use article ‘the’ before the names of deserts and peninsulas.

Example- The Thar Desert, the Balkan Peninsula

10.           We use article ‘the’ before the names of renowned newspapers.

      Example- The Guardian/The Times of India/ The New York Times

11.           We use article ‘The’ with plural family names.

Example- We are having dinner with the Simons tonight.

Note- we should not use ‘the’ before person’s name (Proper noun)

12.           We should use article ‘the’ before a superlative degree.

Example- This is the best day ever.

                      She is the prettiest princess in all the land.

                      I am the shortest person in my family.

13.           We should use article ‘the’ with decades.

Example- He was born in the seventies.

                    This is a painting from the 1820's.

14.           We should use article ‘the’ with ordinals.

Example- She read the last chapter of the book.

                   She received the first prize.

15.           The expression which expresses large group use article ‘The’.

Example- None of the students

                    All of the students.

16.           Article ‘The’ should be used to refer to a noun when it is  preceded by an adjective.

Example- The great Ashoka followed Buddhism.

17.           Article ‘The’ should be used to refer to Holy books.

Example- The Bhaghavat Gita is the sacred book of Hindus.

18.           Article ‘The’ should be used before the names of musical instruments.

Example- My brother can play the flute.

NOT TO USE “THE” IN THE FOLLOWING CASES 

        1.   We should not use ‘the’ with names of countries except for the special case mentioned above.

Example- i) The India has one of the most richest and vivid history and heritage. (Incorrect)

ii) India has one of the most richest and vivid history and heritage.(Correct).

         2.     We should not use article ‘The’ before the names of languages.

Example- i) The Hindi is one of the most-spoken languages in the world. (Incorrect)

ii) Hindi is one of the most-spoken languages in the world. (Correct)

        3.     We should not use article ‘The’ with proper nouns.

Example- i) The Sachin is the best ever batsman in the world. (Incorrect)

ii) Sachin is the best ever batsman in the world. (Correct)

        4.     We should not use article ‘the’ to denote profession.

Example- i) He will probably study the Engineering. (Incorrect)

ii) He will probably study Engineering. (Correct)

         5.     We should not use ‘the’ with the names of individual mountains, lakes and islands.

Example- She lives near Lake Winder mere.

        6.     The public places like school, hospital, church, jail..........etc if are used to refer to activity, we should not use article ‘the’.

Example- I am going to the school. (Incorrect)

However, while referring to place, article ‘the’ must be used before them.

Example- The meeting is at the school. (Correct)

        7.     Article ‘The’ should not be used before the names of subjects.

Example- The mathematics is the most difficult subject. (Incorrect)

       8.     Article ‘The’ should not be used with the names of towns, streets, stations and airports

Example- Can you direct me to Indira Gandhi Airport ? (Correct)

       9.     Article ‘The’ should not be used with years.

Example- i) The 1947 was a wonderful year. (Incorrect)

                    ii) 1947 was a wonderful year. (Correct)

      10.    Article ‘The’ should not be used before Abstract nouns when they are used in a general sense.

Example- i) The Honesty is the best policy.(Incorrect)

                   ii) Honesty is the best policy. (Correct)