Notes
1. | We use the before
nouns if the reader/listener knows exactly what we mean. It is used when: |
2. | We also use the
when referring to something in particular and not something in general.
Study these examples. |
Particular | General |
The time I saw Jack he was very happy. | I think time goes quickly at the weekend. |
The rain last night was so heavy that it kept me awake. | I don't like rain, I prefer sunshine. |
I don't know much about the geography of China. | Geography lessons were interesting at school. |
3. | We often use the when we are referring to a group of things, like : |
a
group of people
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The unemployed are often ignored by society. |
a
type of instrument or invention
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I learnt
to play the piano when I was ten. The internet has become very popular in a short time. |
a
general kind of place or area
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I like the countryside but I've lived in the city all my life. |
a
kind of animal or plant
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The
dinosaur has been extinct for millions of years. The cactus is one of the few plants to survive in the desert. |