The definite article

After years of reading compositions, correcting essays and testing students' grammar knowledges, I've realised that the use of the definite article in English usually becomes a headache. 

Since the way we Spanish use this article and the way it's used in English is quite different, I've decided to give you some hints to help you with this nagging worry. Remember that in any given language, for each rule there're usually a million exceptions :-P but I really hope this can be helpful for any secondary school student. 

If you click on the link below you'll find a document which summarises some of the most frequent uses of "the" and the most common situations where "the" is not used. 


The definite article in English

QUOTE OF THE DAY

I TOTALLY AGREE!!!

Plans for the week

Sample 3rd ESO emails about plans for the future

Hi Joe,

I've thought about the plans and I already know what we can do.

On Monday if you want, we will meet my friends at the park to play football. On Tuesday, we're going to visit my grandparents at the countryside and we're going to stay overnight. On Wednesday, we are going to the Science Museum with my mum and Jenny.

On Thursday, we're going to have a BBQ in the garden with burgers and sausages. On Friday we're going to see a photo exhibition at the library and then we're going to go cycling, if it's sunny. On Saturday, we are going to have a party for you and finally, on Sunday, we're going to catch a train to the airport with my dad and sister. 

I hope you kike our plans,

Iria


Iria Gago Rial
3rd ESO Group A

Hi Joe!

Our week together is going to be fantastic!! On Monday, if you want, we will meet my friends, and we'll go to the park and play football.

On Tuesday, we are going to visit my grandparents and we're going to go to the countryside and stay there overnight.

On Wednesday, we're going to go to the Science Museum with my mum. I'll invite Jenny too!

On Thursday, we're going to have a BBQ in the garden. I'll cook burgers, sausages...

On Friday morning, we're going to see a photo exhibition. In the afternoon, we're going to go cycling. 

On Saturday, we're going to have a party for you!

On Sunday, we're going to catch a train to the airport with my dad and sister.

See you soon,

María

María Feijoo Quintana 
3rd ESO Group B