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Special Uses of the Definite Article the

Classification versus Identification Meaning of Articles
Classification Use an indefinite article (a/an or ) to classify a noun and show that it represents a type, group, or a class distinct from some other type, group, or class.

An earthquake (a type of natural disaster) struck at 7:11 AM. A gas (a type of gas) that can be deadly is carbon monoxide. Stars (celestial bodies) shine brightly. We expect complications (additional problematic conditions) while she is sick. Have you ever seen traffic (passage of vehicles) like this?

Do not use an article for plural or uncountable nouns

Identification The definite article (the) can identify a noun and show that it has been singled out in some way. Generally, the speaker or writer knows the listener or reader is aware of the noun because it was previously mentioned or he or she can see it, has heard of it, has experienced it, has read about it, etc.

The movie (you heard about it) stars Will Ferell. The earthquake (you know about it) destroyed many buildings. The gas (you smell it) can be harmful. The medical complications (you experienced them) were unexpected. The traffic (we are riding in it) is dangerous.

Special Uses of the Definite Article (the)

Use the:
with unique nouns before superlatives before ordinals (first, second, third, etc) before modifiers that make the noun that follows specific (same, sole, chief, only, single, solitary, main, etc.) in phrases that refer to a specific part of a whole group The sun is very bright. The universe has more stars than all the grains of sand on the worlds beaches combined. The most significant effect occurred in June. The third component was missing. He is referring to the same theory. The digital audio recording system at SFU is enabling technology to take university lectures out of classrooms and put them into the pockets of students. Each of the experiments was successful. Half of the population suffered greatly. The effect of an earthquake can be felt for miles. The total budget of the average national AIDS program in the developing world today is less than the medical cost of caring for only fifteen people with AIDS in the United States. A major problem is caring for the homeless (people). The Red Cross is committed to helping the needy (people). I always listen to the news on the radio when driving to work. She took the bus to work today. I m going to the gym after class. Have you been to the beach this summer? She needs to pick up some groceries at the store.

with identifiable nouns that are followed by a modifying of-phrase before adjectives that represent groups of people with certain nouns, such as mechanical inventions and devices, to refer to a general example of something rather than a specific object the speaker/writer has in mind before locations associated with certain typical or habitual activities. The listener/reader may have no idea of the exact location to which the speaker/writer is referring.

Frodesen, J., & Eyring, J. (2000). Grammar dimensions 4 (Platinum ed.). Boston: Heinle & Heinle Publishers Inc, Reproduced wtih permission. www.cengage.com/permissions

Revised March 22, 2013 DW