The Definite Article (A1 Grammar)

Use the when both speaker and listener know which one.

Quick tip: Specific = THE | General (no the) | a → the pattern

THE = Specific/Known

Use the when we both know which thing you mean.

• Close the door, please.
• I saw the movie you told me about.
• The teacher is nice.

THE = Only One

Use the with unique things (sun, moon, sky).

• The sun is bright.
• The moon is beautiful tonight.
• She's the best student.

Second Mention

First time: a/an. Second time: the (now it's known).

• I saw a dog. The dog was big.
• She bought a car. The car is red.
• A → the pattern.

Common mistakes

• Not "I like the coffee." — say "I like coffee.". General = no 'the'.
• Not "Sun is hot." — say "The sun is hot.". Unique things need 'the'.
• Not "Close door." — say "Close the door.". We know which one.

Practise it

Do we both know WHICH one? → Use THE.