Article 'the' is known as definite article. Here are some rules for using definite articles. These rules can be very useful while solving common error problems in competitive exams.

 

Rule: Definite article ‘the’ is used when we talk about the person or thing which was mentioned earlier.
Ex:

  • Shruti drew a picture. The picture was beautiful.
  • I met a boy. The boy was intelligent.
  • Give me the ball which you bought yesterday.

 

Rule: Definite article ‘the’ is used when a singular noun is representing a whole class.
Ex:

  • The cow is a friendly animal.
  • The rose is a beautiful flower.
  • The lion is a dangerous animal.

 

Rule: Before the names of mountain ranges, group of islands, rivers, oceans, gulfs, desserts, forests etc.
Ex:

  • The Himalayas
  • The Ganga
  • The Andamans
  • The Amazon
  • The Pacific Ocean
  • The Sahara
  • The Vrindavan Forest

 

Rule: Before the names of newspapers and magazines.
Ex:

  • The Hindu
  • The Times of India

 

Rule: Before the names of religious and mythological books.
Ex:

  • The Ramayana
  • The Mahabharat
  • The Bibal

 

Rule: Before the name of historical places.
Ex:

  • The Tajmahal
  • The Lalkilla

 

Rule: Before the name of religious community, political party, nationality, trains, ships, government departments.
Ex:

  • The Hindus
  • The BJP
  • The Shatabdi Express
  • The Income Tax department
  • The Army
  • The Indian

 

Rule: Before the words showing position.
Ex:

  • The top
  • The bottom
  • The inside
  • The back
  • The front

 

Rule: ‘The’ is used in superlative degree.
Ex:

  • She is the most beautiful girl in the college.
  • Usain Bolt is the fastest person on the planet.
  • He is the most sincere student in the class.

 

Rule: ‘The’ is used before the names of natural things.
Ex:

  • The Sun
  • The Moon
  • The Planet
  • The River
  • The Mountain

 

Rule: ‘The’ is used before the ordinals.
Ex:

  • The first
  • The second
  • The last

 

Rules of using indefinite articles.

Difference between definite and indefinite articles.