The definite article (the) is used before a noun to indicate that the identity of the noun is known to the reader. The indefinite article (a, an) is used before a noun that is general or when its identity is not known. There are certain situations in which a noun takes no article.
What is use of the?
The is used to refer to specific or particular nouns; a/an is used to modify non-specific or non-particular nouns. We call the the definite article and a/an the indefinite article. the = definite article. a/an = indefinite article. For example, if I say, "Let's read the book," I mean a specific book.
Can we use the before any language?
Rule 7.12: Use the definite article when the word language immediately follows the name of a language. English is hard. The English language is hard. Bill wants to learn Chinese.
What is the rule for using the?
“The” is typically used in accompaniment with any noun with a specific meaning, or a noun referring to a single thing. The important distinction is between countable and non-countable nouns: if the noun is something that can't be counted or something singular, then use “the”, if it can be counted, then us “a” or “an”.
Do we use the before only?
Only can be used as an adjective, adverb and as a conjunction. Article can be used before a common noun only. Therefore no article is required before only. However in sentences like: he's the only child of his parents, you notice that article the has been used.
