Use the

Second mention

We use the when we mention something for the second time.

• A man and a woman sat in front of me. The man was British, but I think the woman wasn’t.

Specific things

We use the to talk about specific things or people –when it’s clear which things or people we are talking about.

• ‘Where are the kids?’ ‘They’re in the garden.’ (=We know which kids and which garden.)
• Can you open the door? (=We know which door.)

Common places in town

With places in a town where we commonly go (the park, the cinema, the doctor, etc.)

• I’m going to the bank.
• I found Peter at the station.
• I’m at the library.

Superlatives

We use the before superlative adjectives.

• This is the best restaurant in town.

Musical instruments

We use the before names of musical instruments.

• Margaret plays the guitar and I play the flute.