Problem using the Definite Article.

[aachu]

Teachers, kindly help me understand when to use the Definite Article (the) and when not to.

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[SirGod]

*Not a teacher

As I have written above, I am not a teacher, but the definite article is a quite heavy issue. I don't think that somebody can explain all about it in a forum post. There are a lot of rules, exceptions and disputes about its usage. You had better consult a grammar book which treat this subject in depth and, if you have a specific question, come back here and ask, and I am sure that somebody will help you out.

 

[Rover_KE]

Teachers, kindly help me understand when to use the Definite Article (the) and when not to.

You could make a start by looking at the Similar Threads at the bottom of the page.

Rover

 

[aachu]

Thank you very much sir!

Now that I have read a lot on the usage of the definite article, one thing remains to be understood. That is, can we use the definite article with abstract nouns like "dark", "relation", "loyalty", "dedication"?

For example can I say, "As far as the loyalty of John is concerned, I doubt it"?

I know it would have been better had I said, "As far as John's loyalty is concerned..".

 

[Rover_KE]

For example can I say, "As far as the loyalty of John is concerned, I doubt it"? Yes, you can.

I know it would have been better had I said, "As far as John's loyalty is concerned..,"

Rover

 

[Raymott]

Thank you very much sir!

Now that I have read a lot on the usage of the definite article, one thing remains to be understood. That is, can we use the definite article with abstract nouns like "dark", "relation", "loyalty", "dedication"?

For example can I say, "As far as the loyalty of John is concerned, I doubt it"?

I know it would have been better had I said, "As far as John's loyalty is concerned..".

Yes, you have to use the definite article (or some other determiner) when you are referring to a specific instance of such abstract concepts.