the
/ðə/ particle A1- ...because it has already been mentioned, is to be completely specified in the same sentence, or very shortly thereafter. · I’m reading the book Mary reviewed. (Compare I’m reading a book Mary reviewed.)· You live on Main Street, don't you? You know, you should tell the mayor the street needs cleaning.
- Used before a noun designating something considered to be unique, or of which there is only one at a time. · No one knows how many galaxies there are in the universe.· Let's go to the park!
- Used to indicate a certain example of (a noun) which is usually of most concern or most common or familiar. · No one in the whole country had seen it before.· I don't think I'll get to it until the morning.
- Used before a body part, a family member, a pet (especially of someone previously mentioned), as an alternative to a possessive pronoun. · A stone hit him on the head. (= “A stone hit him on his head.”)· (informal) How's the wife? (= "How is your wife?")
- Precedes a familiar nickname or other term of address. · How's the Sal today?
- Used in many idiomatic expressions and proverbs to refer to common objects, roles, or situations connected with something definite, in the manner of an analogy. · square the circle; feel the pinch; beat around the bush; throw the baby out with the bathwater
- When stressed, indicates that it describes something which is considered to be best or exclusively worthy of attention. · That is the hospital to go to for heart surgery.
- When stressed, used before the name of a famous person, to distinguish said person from a hypothetical lesser-known person with the same name.
From the library
“Without her captain!” cried Dantès, his eyes sparkling with animation; “pray mind what you say, for you are touching on the most secret wishes of my heart.
Is it really your intention to make me captain of the Pharaon?”
“If I were sole owner we’d shake hands on it now, my dear Dantès, and call it settled; but I have a partner, and you know the Italian proverb—Chi ha compagno ha padrone—‘He who has a partner has a master.’ But the thing is at least half done, as you have one out of two votes.
Rely on me to procure you the other; I will do my best.”
Other matches
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