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Using the with most specific common nouns

The definite article the is used with most nouns—both count and noncount—that the reader can identify specifically. Usually the identity will be clear to the reader for one of the following reasons.

1. The noun has been previously mentioned.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: A truck cut in front of our van. When truck skidded a few seconds later, we almost crashed into it. Revised sentence: A truck cut in front of our van. When the truck skidded a few seconds later, we almost crashed into it. Explanation: The article “the” has been added before “truck” in the second sentence.

The article A is used before truck when the noun is first mentioned. When the noun is mentioned again, it needs the article the because readers can now identify which truck skidded.

2. A phrase or clause following the noun restricts its identity.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Bryce warned me that computer on his desk had just crashed. Revised sentence: Bryce warned me that the computer on his desk had just crashed. Explanation: The article “the” has been added before “computer.”

The phrase on his desk identifies the specific computer.

NOTE:Descriptive adjectives do not necessarily make a noun specific. A specific noun is one that readers can identify within a group of nouns of the same type.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: If I win the lottery, I will buy the brand-new bright red sports car. Revised sentence: If I win the lottery, I will buy a brand-new bright red sports car. Explantion: The article “the” is replaced by the article “a” before “brand-new bright red sports car.”

The reader cannot identify which specific brand-new bright red sports car the writer will buy. Even though car has many adjectives in front of it, it is a general noun in this sentence, so the correct article is a.

3. A superlative adjective such as best or most intelligent makes the noun’s identity specific.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Our petite daughter dated tallest boy in her class. Revised sentence: Our petite daughter dated the tallest boy in her class. Explanation: The article “the” has been added before “tallest boy.”

The superlative tallest makes the noun boy specific. Although there might be several tall boys, only one boy can be the tallest.

4. The noun describes a unique person, place, or thing.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: During an eclipse, one should not look directly at sun. Revised sentence: During an eclipse, one should not look directly at the sun. Explanation: The article “the” has been added before the noun “sun.”

There is only one sun in our solar system, so its identity is clear.

5. The context or situation makes the noun’s identity clear.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Please don't slam door when you leave. Revised sentence: Please don't slam the door when you leave. Explanation: The article “the” has been added before the noun “door.”

Both the speaker and the listener know which door is meant.

6. The noun is singular and refers to a scientific class or category of items (most often animals, musical instruments, and inventions).

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Assembly line transformed manufacturing in America. Revised sentence: The assembly line transformed manufacturing in America. Explanation: The article “the” has been added before the noun “assembly.”

The writer is referring to the assembly line as an invention.

Choosing articles for common nouns

Exercises:

Using articles 1

Using articles 2

Using articles 3

Articles and types of nouns