Upper-Intermediate 📐 Grammar · #168 of 305

Articles: Advanced Uses

Generic reference and special names.

Examples

  • The tiger is endangered.

Key rules

  • Use the for unique things: the sun, the Prime Minister
  • Generic: a/the + singular noun or no article + plural
  • Omit the in institutions: at school, in hospital
  • Use the for specific items

Common mistakes

  • I go to the school every day (as a student) → I go to school every day
  • The life is hard → Life is hard
💡 Tip: Fixed phrases often lack articles.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Upper-Intermediate quiz
← Determiners: Another, Other, Others, The OtherPostmodifiers and Reduced Relative Clauses →

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