Page 14 - English Grammar - 6

They are used with a singular noun to say something about all things of that kind. For
example:

A child needs love and affection. A snake should be handled cautiously.
l l
They are used in certain exclamatory expressions. For example:
What a nice portrait! What a pity!
l l

Let’s Learn Definite Article

The is a definite article. It is used before a noun to refer to a specific thing.

Use of The

The is used before singular, plural, countable, and uncountable nouns. For example:

the temples of Khajuraho the President of India
l l
the Bay of Bengal
l
The is used before superlatives because it refers to a specific noun. For example:

the longest platform the most ancient cave
l l
the highest peak
l
The is used to refer to something that has already been spoken of. For example:

A young man was appointed as the head of the police department. The man will be
l
joining from the first of next month.
A brand new cycle was found in the park. The cycle is red in colour.
l
The is used before words such as first, last, next, and only. For example:

Lyka was the first dog to go to space.
l
He was the last person to leave the class.
l
She was the only girl who won two prizes.
l
The is used with some adjectives to make the groups of people. For example:

The king gave alms to the poor, the hungry, and the homeless. (all the people who
l
were poor, all the people who were hungry, and all the people who did not have a
house to live in)

Life can be very hard for the unemployed. (life can be hard for all the people who are
l
unemployed)

The is used with countries whose names include words such as republic, kingdom or states;
Articles countries that have plural names. For example: l the United States of America

the Republic of India

l
the British Isles

l
The is used with family names. For example:
the Sharmas the Yadavs
l l

12