The document outlines the rules for using the definite article 'the' in English, providing examples for various cases such as names of geographic features, ordinal numbers, and musical instruments. It also discusses situations where 'the' is omitted, including abstract nouns and subjects of study. Additionally, there are fill-in-the-blank exercises for practicing the correct usage of 'the.'

1. • “The” is used before:
 Names of seas, rivers, oceans, mountains
ranges;
Ex: The Hudson river.
 Ordinal numbers;
Ex: the first.
 Musical instruments;
Ex: the piano.
 Groups and classes of people;
Ex: the portuguese.
 Superlatives;
Ex: the best.
 Nouns used in a particular sense;
Ex: the courage he showed was amazing.
 Singular nouns that represent a group/class;
Ex: the elephant is an endangered mammal.
 Nouns of which there is only one;
Ex: The earth
 Omission of “the”:
o Games and sports;
Ex: He plays football.
o Abstract nouns;
Ex: Poverty.
o Subjects of study;
Ex: I study English.
o Gerunds;
Ex: Playing football is a popular hobby in England.
o Contries, towns, proper nouns;
Ex: Scotland, Mr. Smith, London.
exceptions: The USA, The U.K
Names of meals;
Ex: at lunch, for breakfast
o A number of common phrases made up of a
preposition and a noun;
Ex: at university, in bed, at work
o When these expressions are used with articles,
they have special meanings;
Ex: She has gone to hospital. (= as a patient)

2. Complete the sentences with the definite article or leave the blank:
1. Scientists both in ________ USA and in Russia use _________ rockets for
exploration and research in __________ atmosphere and in _________ space.
2. My cousin plays ________ saxophone very well.
3. ________ English are known for their sense of humour.
4. ________ Dolphin is an animal in danger.
5. ________ west and _______ east civilizations are quite different.
6. ________ Smiths are a vey strange family.
7. That girl studies _______English and ________ French.
8. _______ most dangerous activity in _________ world is bungee jumping.
9. ________ biking is a national sport.
10. _________ Edinburgh is the capital of _________ Scotland.