The definite article “the” is used both for singular and plural and all genders. As a general rule the definite article in English is used before a noun that has been mentioned a second time; before a singular noun representing a class of animals or things or a class of people.
It is also used before superlatives such as “the first”, “the second”, etc… and “only” and before a few proper nouns of countries, seas, rivers and so on.
| Rule | Examples |
| – Before a noun that has been mentioned a second time | I left a book on my desk. Has anybody seen the book I left? |
| – Before a singular noun representing a class of animals, things or a class of people | Today the young have no respect for the old.
The turtle is a protected species. |
| – Before superlatives and “only” | The first person a met yesterday was a beggar.
The only person I trust is my wife. |
| – Before a few proper nouns of countries, seas, rivers, mountains, and so on. | The Alps divide northern Italy from France, Switzerland and Austria.
Tha Sahara desert is the biggest hot desert in the world. |
Use of definite article