LESSON 4 - THE DEFINITE ARTICLE "THE"

The definite article is not used

1. Before countries, towns, proper names. Exceptions: the USA, the Netherlands, the USSR, the Smiths (= Mr. and Mrs. Smith and family).
2. Before abstract nouns except when they are used in a particular sense.
• Eg. Men fear death but the death of the Prime Minister left his party without a leader.
3. After a noun in the possessive case, or a possessive adjective.
• Eg. the uncle of the boy = the boy's uncle.
4. Before names of meals in some cases.
• Eg. The wedding breakfast was held in her father's house.