Grammar Tip - The definite article "The"

The definite article the is the most frequent word in English.

We use the definite article in front of a noun when we believe the listener/reader knows exactly what we are referring to:

• because there is only one:

The Pope is visiting Italy.

The moon is very bright tonight.

Who is the president of France?

This is why we use the definite article with a superlative adjective:

He is the tallest boy in the class.

It is the oldest building in the town.

• because there is only one in that context:

We live in a small house next to the church. (= the church in our village)

Dad, can I borrow the car? (= the car that belongs to our family)

When we stayed at my grandmother’s house, we went to the beach every day. (= the beach near my grandmother’s house)

Look at the boy over there. (= the boy I am pointing at)

• because we have already mentioned it:

A young man got a nasty shock when he tried to rob a jewellery shop in Richmond. The man used a heavy hammer to smash the windows in the shop.

We also use the definite article:

• to say something about all the things referred to by a noun:

The wolf is not really a dangerous animal. (= Wolves are not really dangerous animals.)

The kangaroo is found only in Australia. (= Kangaroos are found only in Australia.)

The heart pumps blood around the body. (= Hearts pump blood around bodies.)

• We use the definite article in this way to talk about musical instruments:

Joe plays the piano really well.

She is learning the guitar.

• to refer to a system or service:

How long does it take on the train?

I heard it on the radio.

You should tell the police.

We can also use the definite article with adjectives like rich, poor, elderly and unemployed to talk about groups of people: 

Life can be very hard for the poor.

I think the rich should pay more taxes.

She works for a group to help the disabled.