説明中心

the

[ðə]

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.

How do native speakers use this expression?