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What is a English Definite Article?

[vc_separator border_width=”2″][dt_teaser]The English definite article is the “the“. However, in English there is no difference in the word between male, female or factual. Furthermore, there is neither a singular nor a plural form.[/dt_teaser]
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When is the Definite Article used in English?

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Generally, the English definite article is used to specifically refer to something.

 

Not usedUsed
For abstract termsSpecific people / place
For substance namesUnique person / Place
For proper names / place names in the singularWith proper names in the plural
At times of the day, weekdays, months, annual & mealsBefore the superalative & ordial numbers
At institutionsGroups of people
At "by" + means of transportAdjectives related to a group of people
For the following termsPhrase with "only"
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Example: not used

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For abstract terms:

  • life
  • time
  • work

 

For stubstance names:

  • coal
  • water
  • oil

 

For proper names / place names in the singular:

  • children
  • parents
  • animals

When used in the general sense.

 

At times of the day, weekdays, months, annual & meals:

  • December …

 

EXCEPTION
  • in the afternoon, …
  • during the afternoon, …
  • throughout the afternoon, …

However, the definite article is also required if the respective term is to be defined more precisely.

 

At insitutions:

  • school
  • college
  • hospital

 

At “by” + means of transport:

  • by car
  • by train
  • by plane

 

For the following terms:

  • at first sight
  • in practice
  • out of mind
  • to be in power
  • keep in mind
  • shake hands
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Example: used

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Specific people / place:

  • The forest
  • The first floor

 

Unique person / place:

  • The woman who …
  • The boy with the …
  • The small house …

 

With proper names in the plural:

  • The Hiltons …
AS WELL AS NEWSPAPER:
  • The Guardian …
  • The New York Times …

 

Before the superlative & ordinal numbers:

  • The biggest house …
  • The last chapter …

Explanation of the superlatives

 

Groups of people:

  • The Germans
  • The Americans

 

Adjective related to a group of people:

  • The elderly
  • the younger

 

Phrase with “only”:

  • The only week …
  • The only woman …
  • The only coffee …
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About me

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Hey, formerly I thought that learning languages was an innate one. Either you can speak English perfectly or not and no matter how much you learn – “I do not write a good grade in English anyway.” But I quickly learned that you do not know everything in your mother tongue.

 

After a while, I gave myself one last chance to learn English. Only this time I limited myself to the essential points.

That means for me verbs: the form – examples – signal words & the usage

This method enabled me to learn English faster than ever before.

 

Since then I know that learning to talk is not innate. And through that realization, my vision has become to offer other students the opportunity to learn English, just like I did back then. Now I ask you to help me by sharing this article with your friends! Thanks a lot!

 

You read: Definite Article

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