the · det
the (TIME)
B2 used before numbers that refer to periods of ten years
Dictionary examples:
the sixties (26.0)
the (COMPARE)
B2 used before each of two adjectives or adverbs to show how one thing changes depending on another
Dictionary examples:
The longer we live here, the more we like it. (15.8)
the (PARTICULAR)
A1 used before nouns to refer to particular things or people that have already been talked about or are already known
Dictionary examples:
The teacher lost the homework again. (0.0)
The dog ate the homework, really! (0.0)
The man forgot the keys again. (0.0)
I bought a shirt and some shoes. The shirt was expensive, but the shoes weren't. (9.0)
I really enjoyed the book I just read. (12.3)
I'll pick you up at the station. (18.1)
Could you pass the salt, please? (29.2)
the (PLACE)
A1 used before some nouns that refer to place when you want to mention that type of place, without showing exactly which example of the place you mean
Dictionary examples:
My teacher always sleeps at the school. (0.0)
I forgot my pants at the gym! (0.0)
I eat ice cream for breakfast at the office. (0.0)
Shall we go to the movies this evening? (10.8)
We spent all day at the beach. (10.8)
I must go to the bank. (12.3)
the (ONLY ONE)
A1 used before nouns when only one of something exists
Dictionary examples:
The sun is playing hide-and-seek today. (0.0)
The world is having a big party. (0.0)
The internet is having a big nap. (0.0)
Have you seen the Eiffel Tower? (5.5)
She's traveling around the world. (11.8)
What will happen in the future? (12.6)
They live in the north of Spain. (12.6)
Ed Koch was for many years the mayor of New York. (26.4)
the (BEFORE SUPERLATIVES, ETC.)
A2 used before superlatives and other words, such as 'first' or 'only' or numbers showing something's position in a list, which refer to only one thing or person
Dictionary examples:
You're the only one who laughs at your jokes! (0.0)
He's the worst cook, but the best eater! (0.0)
I'm the slowest runner, but the happiest eater! (0.0)
I shall never forget the first time we met. (13.1)
That was one of the best movies I've ever seen. (15.6)
You're the fifth person to ask me that question. (23.7)
What's the highest mountain in Europe? (26.8)
the (YOUR)
B1 used instead of a possessive adjective such as "your," "her," or "my"
Dictionary examples:
I accidentally wore the pajamas to work and didn't notice until lunchtime. (0.0)
She accidentally sent the boss a funny meme instead of the report. (0.0)
I spilled coffee on the shirt right before an important meeting. (0.0)
He held her by the arm. (23.9)
Where did I park the car? (29.5)