Definite Article

In English, the definite article is the word the. It is used before a noun to define it as something specific. It could be something:

  • previously mentioned
  • known
  • unique
  • being identified by the speaker

As in these examples:

  • Look at the green car.
    (This means a specific car. Maybe it is the only green car in the car park.)
  • Can we go to the zoo?
    (This means a specific zoo. It is known to the speaker and the listener.)

Compare with an indefinite article.