the Definition
- 1denoting one or more people or things already mentioned or assumed to be common knowledge
- 2used to point forward to a following qualifying or defining clause or phrase
- 3used to make a generalized reference to something rather than identifying a particular instance
Using the: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "the" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cat is on the mat.
Example
I'm going to the store.
Example
The book that I read was really good.
Example
The sun is shining today.
Origins of the
from Old English 'thē', originally meaning 'this' or 'that'
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Summary: the in Brief
The word 'the' [ðə] is a definite article used to refer to one or more people or things already mentioned, assumed to be common knowledge, or to make a generalized reference to something. It can also be used to point forward to a following qualifying or defining clause or phrase.