English Grammar

Cases where the definite article should not be used

With plural and uncountable nouns

We do not use the before plural and uncountable nouns to talk about things in general.

• Children usually rush about. (NOT The children…)
• Water is precious.
• Computers are expensive.
• Wisdom is better than riches. (NOT The wisdom…)
• Commonsense is a great virtue. (NOT The commonsense…)

With possessives and demonstratives

We do not use the with possessives (my, your) or demonstratives (this, those).

• This is my husband. (NOT This is the my husband.)
• I like this colour. (NOT I like the this colour.)

With singular proper nouns.

We do not use the with singular proper nouns.

• Alice is an architect. (NOT The Alice…)

Between all and a number

The is not normally used between all and a number.

• Take all three shirts. (NOT Take all the three shirts.)
• Answer all five questions.

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