When should you use the word ‘the’ in English?
Today, in #1 of the Top 15 Fixes series, we discuss the most common article in the English language, ‘the’!
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Use if the word ‘the’ can be a confusing. But there are some rules that can help you get it right most of the time.
The first requires that you consider whether the focus is on something specific, or something more general.
When focused on specific items, use ‘the’. If you’re sitting at a table, talking about the food that is actually in front of you, you might say:
- “Do you like the turkey?”
- “Yes, the turkey is great!”
- “Could you please pass the salt?”
When focused on more general terms, you don’t use ‘the’. If you’re discussing food in general, you might say:
- “Do you like turkey?”
- “Have you tried pumpkin pie?”
- “Cranberries are too tart for me.”
Geographical terms can also be tricky for ‘the’. In most cases, large, well-known geographic places will have ‘the': the content, the Pacific Ocean, the moon.
With specific countries, a country’s formal name might require ‘the,’ while a less formal name might not: the United States, the Russian Federation; America, Russia.
Other Entries in the 15 Fixes Series:
What have you found difficult about ‘the’?
Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
When should you use the word ‘the’ in English?
Today, in #1 of the Top 15 Fixes series, we discuss the most common article in the English language, ‘the’!
Come back to our site
Taking IELTS?
Get our free IELTS video training now
Use if the word ‘the’ can be a confusing. But there are some rules that can help you get it right most of the time.
The first requires that you consider whether the focus is on something specific, or something more general.
When focused on specific items, use ‘the’. If you’re sitting at a table, talking about the food that is actually in front of you, you might say:
“Do you like the turkey?”
“Yes, the turkey is great!”
“Could you please pass the salt?”
When focused on more general terms, you don’t use ‘the’. If you’re discussing food in general, you might say:
“Do you like turkey?”
“Have you tried pumpkin pie?”
“Cranberries are too tart for me.”
Geographical terms can also be tricky for ‘the’. In most cases, large, well-known geographic places will have ‘the': the content, the Pacific Ocean, the moon.
With specific countries, a country’s formal name might require ‘the,’ while a less formal name might not: the United States, the Russian Federation; America, Russia.
Other Entries in the 15 Fixes Series:
Episode 165: Listen or Hear?
Episode 169: Speak, Talk, Tell and Say?
Episode 173: Wish vs. Hope
Episode 177: Talking About Age in English
Episode 181: Future Tense in English
Episode 185: Interested or Interesting?
Episode 189: Talking About the Past
Episode 193: How to Borrow Money
Episode 197: Who Pays for Lunch?
Episode 201: Will vs. Going To
Episode 205: Talking about People
Episode 209: How much versus How many
Episode 213: Make vs. Do
Episode 217: By Yourself vs. On Your Own
What have you found difficult about ‘the’?
Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
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Are you looking for a new and fun way to learn American English? Come hang out with Lindsay and Michelle from Boston and New York City and have fun while you improve your English listening skills! We are an English as a Second Language (ESL) podcast for intermediate to advanced English learners around the world. We will show you how to use everyday English vocabulary and natural idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs and how to make small talk in American English. We will also give you special tips on American culture, customs, etiquette, and how to speak with Americans as well as conversation and commentary on study tips, business English, life in America and Boston and New York, how to apply to university in the US, dating, travel, food and more. You'll get TOEFL, IELTS, and TOEIC help also from The Examiner of Excellence, Jessica Beck. This podcast is for adult students who are professionals and university students as well as ESL teachers. Join the community to learn to speak American English like a native! Connection NOT Perfection!
