Definition and meaning of English word "the"
the
/ðiː/
Meaning
ArticleUsed before a noun phrase, including a simple noun The definite grammatical article that shows that the noun phrase that immediately follows it is definitely identifiable... ...because it has already been mentioned, is to be completely specified in the same sentence, or very shortly thereafter.
How to use
The definite article is a fundamental component of the English language, used to specify a particular noun or noun phrase. It is often used in formal and informal writing, as well as in spoken language. However, one common mistake learners make is using 'the' before a noun that has not been previously mentioned, which can lead to ambiguity and confusion. For example, 'I saw the book on the table' implies that the speaker has already mentioned the book, whereas 'I saw a book on the table' implies that the book is one of many.
🇬🇧 English
the
Example
I see the dog.
The cat is black.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationCommon phrases
- the big house— Used to describe a large or impressive building
- the green park— Used to describe a park or garden with a lot of greenery
- the old book— Used to describe a book that is old or worn out
- the new car— Used to describe a car that is new or recently purchased
- the beautiful view— Used to describe a view that is visually appealing
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #1 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "the" mean?▼
The English word "the" means "the" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "the"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "the" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "the"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "I see the dog." (which translates as "the").
More Articles & Pronouns words
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