Intermediate The

Table of Contents

  • Generalities
  • “The” + Adjective
  • “The”+ Nationalities

Generalities

When one talks about a thing in general, the + a singular countable noun is used. Or, one can use the plural noun without an article.

Examples:

  • The dog is my favourite domestic animal.
  • Dogs are my favourite domestic animals.

For talking about a type of machine or invention, the + a singular countable noun is used.

Examples:

  • The computer has changed our lives.
  • When was the MRI scan first used?

The is also used for talking about musical instruments.

Examples:

  • My son is learning to play the piano.

"The" + Adjective

The is used with adjectives (without a noun), when talking about something in general.

.

Examples:

  • The rich have taken over this part of the town.
  • He is always helping out with charities for the poor.

These expressions are always plural. One cannot say an injured or a young.

Examples:

  • The injured have all been taken to the General Hospital.
  • Nowadays the young expect instant gratification.

"The" + Nationalities

The can be used with some nationality adjectives, to talk about the people who live in a certain country.

 

Examples:

  • The French are a very proud nation.
  • The English aren’t very good at learning other languages, are they?

The can be used with the following nationalities:

The British, the Welsh, the Spanish, the Dutch
The English, the Irish, the French, and the Swiss. Also with nationalities that end in -ese, like Chinese.

With other nationalities, the plural noun ending in -s has to be used.

Examples:

  • The Swiss are well-known for their cheese-making.
  • The Dutch had many colonies in the East.
  • The Japanese are often mocked for their love of taking photos.
  • Russians are frequently seen in the Mediterranean countries nowadays.
  • The Italians are very keen on football.
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