Using the. Use the definite article the with both count and noncount nouns whose identity is known or is about to be made known to readers. The necessary information for identification can come from the noun phrase itself, from elsewhere in the text, from context, from general knowledge, or from a superlative.

The phrase in front of Dwinelle Hall identifies the specific fountain.

The word store is preceded by the, which directs our attention to the information in the previous sentence, where the store is first identified.

The context shows that she is referring to her office door.

There is only one acting pope.

The superlative best identifies the noun singer.