T1-c Select the correct article to use with a proper noun.

Printed Page H-88

T1-c Select the correct article to use with a proper noun.

proper noun The capitalized name of a specific person, group, place, or thing.

Most plural proper nouns require the: the United States, the Philippines, the Black Hills, the Clintons, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Exceptions include business names (Hillshire Farms, Miller Auto Sales).

Delete any article before most singular proper nouns.

In general, singular proper nouns are not preceded by an article: Dr. Livingston, New York City, Hawaii, Disneyland, Mount St. Helens, Wrigley Field.

image

The is used before proper noun phrases that include of (the Rock of Gibraltar, the Gang of Four). The is also required before proper nouns that name the following things:

  1. Bodies of water, except when the generic part of the name precedes the specific name: the Atlantic Ocean, the Red River, but Lake Erie
  2. Geographic regions: the West Coast, the Sahara, the Grand Canyon
  3. Vehicles for transportation: the Concorde
  4. Named buildings and bridges: the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge
  5. National or international churches: the Russian Orthodox Church
  6. Governing bodies preceded by a proper adjective: the British Parliament
  7. Titles of religious and political leaders: the Dalai Lama
  8. Religious and historical documents: the Bible, the Magna Carta
  9. Historical periods and events: the Gilded Age, the Civil War