Page 46 - English Grammar - 7

Definite Article

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

Uses of The

The is used:

� to refer to a noun which has already been mentioned.
For example:
There was a building at this place. Now, the building has been demolished.
O
He has a cow. The cow gives creamy milk
O
� to define or identify a particular person or object.
For example:
This is the teacher who taught me mathematics.
O
He is the only person who can do it confidently.
O
� to refer to people or objects that are unique.

For example:
The sun rises in the east.
O
The India Gate is in Delhi.
O
� with adjectives to refer to a group of people.
For example:

We should help the poor.
O
The rich should come forward to make India a developed country.
O
� with some proper nouns. It is placed before the names of geographical areas, rivers,
mountain ranges, groups of islands, canals and oceans.
For example: the Suez Canal, the Nile, etc.

� with some country names that are plural and those that include the words Republic,
Kingdom or States.
For example:

My uncle is a doctor in the United States of America.
Determiners � with names of famous buildings, monuments and pieces of art.

O
I would like to visit the United Kingdom.
O

For example:

The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.
O

The Gateway of India is in Mumbai.
O

Omission of The
The is not used:

� with names of countries.
India is a great country.
O
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