The use of definite articles in English can be confusing and difficult to master for many learners of the language. Definite articles are words like “the” that specify which particular person, thing, or place is referred to. This article will provide twenty examples of definite articles in action, helping you to understand how they are used in context.
What is a Definite Article?
A definite article is a word that usually precedes a noun and makes it specific. The most common one in modern English is “the.”
For instance, if I say:
- I like the color blue
I’m saying that I specifically like the color blue instead of all colors in general. The term “specific” means only this particular thing and nothing else.
20 Examples of Definite Articles
- I don’t like cooking because it takes too much time.
- Be sure to put the cap back on the orange juice when you’re done drinking it.
- The thing over there is a wasp, so watch out!
- I have a question for you: do you know where the library is?
- The children are studying in the classroom.
- I don’t understand why it’s asking for the square root of 81.
- I’m going to check on the laundry now, so you can make dinner if you want.
- Can you open the door, please?
- The pizza man is at the door.
- The boy is so cute!
- I had to work the weekend, so I couldn’t make it to your birthday party.
- The level of water in the lake is very low.
- Have you seen my phone? I had it just a second ago.
- This isn’t mine, but I think it belongs to the girl sitting next to me.
- The shirt on the floor is yours, right?
- Be careful when you are climbing the rocks.
- Are you going to the show tonight?
- The dog is sitting on the floor next to me.
- He’s wet from playing with my brother outside.
- I think the soup is ready, so let’s eat now before it gets cold.
- The woman standing by the corner has a really nice dress on.
- Can you pass me the pepper, please?
- The ice cream looks really good; I want some.
Related: 20 Examples of Indefinite Articles
