9.1.2

Uses of the Definite Article

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Uses of the Definite Article

Illustrative background for Before a specific nounIllustrative background for Before a specific noun ?? "content

Before a specific noun

  • This is the same use as in English, when the noun is very specific.
    • Londres es la capital de Inglaterra.
      • London is the capital of England.
Illustrative background for When a noun is used in a general senseIllustrative background for When a noun is used in a general sense ?? "content

When a noun is used in a general sense

  • Me gustan las frutas.
    • I like fruit.
Illustrative background for With countries and placesIllustrative background for With countries and places ?? "content

With countries and places

  • In Spanish they tend to omit the article with countries but three must have the definite article.
    • El Reino Unido, Los Países Bajos, El Salvador.
      • The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, El Salvador.
  • Vivo en la Plaza Mayor.
    • I live in the Plaza Mayor.
  • El Océano Indico.
    • The Indian Ocean.
Illustrative background for With times, dates and periodsIllustrative background for With times, dates and periods ?? "content

With times, dates and periods

  • The definite article is used for days of the week and dates.
    • El partido es el miércoles. (The match is on Wednesday).
    • Mi cumpleaños es el 12 de enero. (My birthday is the 12th of January).
  • When you are referring to a time period.
    • El año que viene.(Next year).
  • When talking about the time of day.
    • Son las cinco y media. (It is five thirty).

Jump to other topics

1The Basics

2Current & Future Study & Employment

3Identity & Culture

3.1Me, My Family & Friends

3.2Me, My Family & Friends - Translations

3.3Technology in Everyday Life

3.4Technology in Everyday Life - Translations

3.5Free Time Activities

3.6Free Time Activities - Translations

3.7Customs & Festivals in Spanish Speaking Countries

3.8Customs & Festivals - Translations

4Areas of Interest

4.1Home, Town, Neighbourhood & Region

4.2Home, Town, Neighbourhood & Region - Translations

4.3Social Issues

4.4Social Issues - Translations

4.5Global Issues

4.6Global Issues - Translations

4.7Travel & Tourism

4.8Travel & Tourism - Translations

5Listening Practice

6Common Tenses

7Important Verbs

8Advanced Tenses

9Extra Grammar

9.1Articles

9.2Negatives

9.3Nouns

9.4Asking Questions

9.5Adjectives

9.6Adverbs

9.7Conjunctions

9.8Pronouns

9.9By, With, From, Of

9.10Verbs

9.11Comparisons

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