When to use (or not) the definite article 'the'

Below, you will read the general rules to understand when to use (or not) the definite article ‘the’:Something already mentioned:Example:I like these shirts. The blue one is my favorite.Something/someone unique:Example:The Pope lives in Vatican City.*I love looking at the sky.A particular person:Example:The teacher who works here.The boy with the red shirt.Adjectives for a group:Example:The Spanish make wine.I believe that the rich have a great lifestyle.Family names:Example:My uncle lives next to the Jacksons.Musical instruments:Example:I can play the piano.Newspaper names:Example:Mom reads The Washington Post every morning.Systems or services:Example:Are we taking the train?I believe it’s better if we tell the police.Organizations:Example:My sister works for the United Nations.Something unique in the context:Example:Where is the bathroom?A particular place:Example:I live in the blue house across the street.Famous monuments, buildings, museums, works of art, etc.:Example:The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.My dream is to see the Mona Lisa up close.Hotels, bars, pubs, and restaurants (not named after a person):Example:I’m staying at The Plaza.Let’s eat some pizza at the Palace.I’ll have a lunch meeting at Brown’s.Ordinal numbers:Example:It’s the second time I’ve called you.Decades:Example:I was born in the 80’s.Geographical areas, groups of rivers, mountain ranges, oceans, etc.:Example:The cruise crossed the Atlantic.I visited the Panama Canal last year.Countries (only if they include: “republic” / “kingdom” / “states” / plural names)Example:Erick is from the Philippines.We went to the United Kingdom for our vacation.

Curso de Inglês Básico A2: Conjunções e Superlativos

When to use (or not) the definite article 'the'

Below, you will read the general rules to understand when to use (or not) the definite article ‘the’: