Let us now study some rules related to the usage of the definite article �the�:

 

Rule 1 :

 

The definite article�the�, is used when we speak of a thing already mentioned, or a particular thing or one known to that is a specific noun.

 

Let us see this sentence

 

I saw a lady coming towards me. The lady was carrying an umbrella.

 

Here, the lady has already been mentioned in the sentence, hence the definite article �the� is used before it, when referred to for the second time.

 

Rule 2 :

 

The definite article�the�, is used before a common noun in the singular number to indicate a whole class.

 

EXAMPLES: the tiger, the plant family

 

Here tiger and plant is common noun in the singular number, indicating a whole class, hence article �the� is been used before it.

 

Rule 3 :

 

The definite article�the�, is used before common nouns which are the names of unique things. FOR EXAMPLE The earth, the sun, the moon,

 

Rule 4 :

 

The definite article �the�, is used before some proper nouns, the names of well-known or sacred books, newspapers, trains, and well-known buildings. EXAMPLES: The Bible, the National Herald, the Shatabdi, the Taj Mahal

 

Rule 5 :

 

Definite article�the�, is before the names of bays, rivers, seas, groups of islands, chains of mountains, plural names of countries, deserts. Examples: the Bay of Bengal, the Ganga, the Caspian Sea, the Andamans, the Alps, the Netherlands, the Thar Desert

 

Rule 5 :

 

The definite article�the�, is used before adjectives in the superlative degree. Example: The highest mountain was conquered. Here definite article �the� is being used before the superlative adjective �highest.

 

Rule 6 :

 

The definite article�the�, is used before adjectives are used as nouns. Example: The rich are not always generous.

 

Rule 7 :

 

The definite article�the�, is used before words indicating number, weight, and measure to express the idea of rate.

 

Example:

 

Bananas are sold by the dozen, but mangoes are sold by the kilogram. Here article the is been used before words dozen and kilogram, which are expressing the idea of rate.

 

Rule 8 :

 

Definite article�the�, is used before an adjective in the comparative degree when selection is intended. Example: Of the two books, which is the more interesting one?

 

Rule 9 :

 

The definite article �the�, is used before the parts of the body in place of a determiner (possessive adjective). Examples: I seized him by the neck.

 

Rule 10 :

 

The definite article�the�, is used before comparatives. For example: The higher you go, the cooler it gets.

 

Rule 11 :

 

The definite article�the�, is used before ordinals ( that is showing position or order in a series). For Example, I will be the first one to complete it.

 

Rule 12 :

 

The definite article �the�, is used before a noun to emphasize it. Example: This is the vase I have always wanted. Here article the is been used to emphasize the vase, the speaker wants.

 

Rule 13 :

 

The definite article�the�, is used before nouns that name the inhabitants of a country collectively, but not before the names of their languages. Example: The Indians are known for their hospitality.

 

Read More: Omission of Article: When To Not Use "the" - Rules - English Grammar