The Definite Article

- "The" is invariable; we use it for the singular and the plural. Eg.

The lamp - The lamps.

Uses

1- Common knowledge. When both the speaker and the listener know what is being referred to. Eg.

Ever since the accident, I've had back pains.

2- Repetition. When thing or person has been mentioned before. Eg.

A 26 year-old man is being questioned by police in connection with a series of burglaries. The man was arrested in Salta hotel last night.

3- Uniqueness. When there is only one possible thing or person being referred to. Eg.

I'd love to go to the MAAM.

4- In superlative constructions. Eg.

She's the best swimmer in the world.

5- In the......the...... comparative constructions. Eg.

The more you eat, the fatter you get.

6- Other uses:

a- Some geographical names: oceans, seas, rivers, mountain ranges, deserts, groups of islands,countries and groups of countries.  Eg.

the Pacific Ocean, the Argentina Sea, the Nile, the Andes, the United States.

b- Adjetives referring to groups f people, including nationalities. Eg.

The French are better cooks than the English.

c- With the words "only", "last" and ordinal numbers (used as adjectives). Eg.

She's the only one who understands me.

d- With the names of scientific inventions, musical instruments and dances. Eg.

the guitar, the tango.

e- With the names of hotels, cinemas, theatres, ships, organizations, newspapers and museums. Eg.

the Sheraton.

f- With the words which indicate place like station, shop, pub, library, city, village. Eg.

I went to the library yesterday.

g- With the words morning, afternoon and evening. Eg.

He goes home in the evening.

h- With historical periods/events. Eg.

The First World War.

i- With titles when the name of the person is not mentioned. Eg.

the Queen, the President.