12.1.2

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.
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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

1Phonics/Alphabet/Spellings

2You, Family & Home

3School & Jobs

4Town, Shopping, Food, Drink

5Free Time

6Holiday

7The World Around Us

8Present Tense

9Past Tense

10Future Tense

11Conditional

12Grammar

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