Understanding Definite Articles in English Sentences

Definite articles are used in English grammar to indicate a specific person, place, or thing. They are the words "the" in English. It is important to understand how to use definite articles correctly in sentences to ensure clear communication. Let's explore some sentences to identify where the definite article is used:

Sentence A:

We saw an elephant at the zoo. In this sentence, the definite article is 'the' because it refers to a specific zoo that the speaker and listener know about.

Sentence B:

Mom made a pie for dessert. In this sentence, there are no definite articles used. The absence of a definite article indicates that the pie is not a specific or previously mentioned pie.

Sentence C:

What time does the game begin? In this sentence, the definite article is 'the' because it refers to a specific game that the speaker is asking about.

Understanding when to use definite articles like 'the' in English sentences can help clarify the intended meaning and make communication more precise. Practice using definite articles in various contexts to improve your language skills.

In which sentence is the underlined word a definite article? A. We saw an elephant at the zoo. B. Mom made a pie for dessert. C. What time does the game begin?

Since the definite article is 'the', the correct answers are A, '...the zoo', and C, '...the game'. In B there is no definite article.