👉 A1 Grammar: The Definite Article 'the'
Objective: To understand when to use the definite article "the" to talk about specific nouns.
- Understand that "the" points to a specific person, place, or thing.
- Learn the rules for when to use "the" versus "a" or "an".
- Practice using "the" in simple sentences.
Pointing to Specific Things
We have learned that "a" and "an" mean "one of many" (any one). Today, we learn about the word the. We use "the" when we are talking about one specific thing that the listener or reader already knows about.
Use "a" or "an" for a general thing. Use "the" for a specific thing.
We use the when:
- We have mentioned the noun before.
e.g., I have a cat. The cat is black. - There is only one of something.
e.g., Look at the sun! - It is clear which one we mean.
e.g., Please close the door. (We both know which door).
You can use "the" for both singular (one) and plural (more than one) specific nouns.
- Singular: the dog 🐕
- Plural: the dogs 🐕🐕
✍️ Let's Practice!
Activity 1: General or Specific?
Read the sentence. Choose the correct article for the blank.
Activity 2: Complete the Story
Read the story below. For each numbered blank, choose the best article.
Yesterday, I saw (1)___ dog in (2)___ park. (3)___ dog was playing with (4)___ red ball.
Great Job! Today you learned about the definite article "the". Remember: "a/an" is for any one thing (general), and "the" is for a specific thing that we know.