American English
/ðə/
One syllable.
Used before a noun when the listener or reader knows which person or thing you mean.
“The” is usually pronounced “thuh” (/ðə/) before a consonant sound, but “thee” (/ði/) before a vowel sound. When you say the word alone or emphasize it, use “thee” (/ði/).
Used before a noun when the listener or reader knows which person or thing you mean.
Please close the door.
I left the keys on the table.
Do not usually use the before a person's name or a city name.
the same · the right time · the next day
the + singular noun
the + plural noun
Used before a noun for something unique in the world or in a particular situation.
The sun is very bright today.
The manager will speak first.
the sun · the moon · the Earth
the + noun
the + noun + of + noun
Used before a word that shows the highest level or a position in a series.
This is the best option.
She won the first prize.
the best · the first time · the last one
the + superlative adjective + noun
the + ordinal number + noun
Used before an adjective to talk about all the people with that quality as a group.
The rich are not always happy.
The elderly need safe transport.
This use means a group of people, not one person.
the rich · the poor · the elderly
the + adjective
exactly alike or not different
We ordered the same meal.
finally, after everything has happened
In the end, we stayed home.
now; at this time
I'm busy at the moment.