definite article | englishacademy

What is the most popular pub name in the UK?

The Red Lion Why do we call it 'the' Red Lion when only the name 'Red Lion' is written on the sign? That's because all hotels, pubs and...

How many times have you heard "the World Health Organisation" in the last couple of years?

I'm sure at least ten times a day during the height of the pandemic. Did you ever wonder why it was always called 'the' World Health...

The view from the Empire State building

Well known buildings and works of art all require us to use 'the' in front of their names: the Empire State Building the Mona Lisa the...

I read the newspaper

Have you ever noticed that all newspaper names start with the? The Washington Post The New York Times The Sunday Times The Guardian The...

Canary Islands or the Canary Islands?

How do I know which geographical features should have 'the' in front of them and which should not? Mountain ranges all start with 'the',...

Why do some countries start with 'the'?

Have you ever noticed how we refer to some countries as 'the [country name]' and others just as 'country name'? How do you know when to...

Can you see a car, or the car?

Indefinite or definite article? Let's be clear.