The definite article the is used before common nouns used in a particular sense.
Examples
The book on the table is yours.
The answer is correct.
The Moon is full.
The girl you met is my sister.
The Definite Article
In narration when a person or thing is mentioned for the first time the indefinite article is used, but thereafter the definite article is placed before the noun, because it is now used in a particular sense.
Examples
My sister give me a book. -> The book is very interesting.
I saw some beautiful shoes. -> The shoes are not expensive.
The definite article also is used before ordinal numbers.
Examples : The definite article before numbers
Before common nouns to indicate the whole class.
Examples : The definite article indicate whole class
Before the Superlative
Examples : The definite article before the Superlative
She is the prettiest girl in the class.
This is the best game that I ever see.
I am the best among us.
The best story ever written.
The definite article before unique things.
Examples : The definite article before unique things
Before surnames in the plural to indicate the whole family.
Examples : The definite article before surnames
The Smiths were in New Zealand last month.
The Johnsons have a new car.
The Clintons are guilty for many wars.
Before names of the rivers, seas, oceans and chains of mountains.
Examples
| The South Sea | The Mediterranean |
| The Nile | The Danube |
| The Indian (Ocean) | The Pacific (Ocean) |
| The Alps | The Australian Alps |
