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Exciter Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

usage of "the"

People who read what I write always indicate that I miss "the". I am not sure exactly in which instances I should use a the.
An example of a sentence I have written: "Merits and demerits of phasing out of the labor force are also discussed here."
Probably one may correct it as:
"THE Merits and demerits of THE phasing out of the labor force are also discussed here.
But I cant not really assure myself when to use and not use "the"
Is there any rule of thumb regarding the usage of 'the' that I can keep on mind?
  

Top answer

1-- Use the when you are speaking of specific nouns (as here: the merits and demerits are defined specifically as those associated with phasing out the labour force ). 2-- Also, use the when you have mentioned the nouns previously in the conversation or writing. These two guidelines cover 85% of the usage of the .

— Mister Micawber

  • 1-- Use the when you are speaking of specific nouns (as here: the merits and demerits are defined specifically as those associated with phasing out the labour force ).
  • 2-- Also, use the when you have mentioned the nouns previously in the conversation or writing.
  • These two guidelines cover 85% of the usage of the .
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2 Answers
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1-- Use the when you are speaking of specific nouns (as here: the merits and demerits are defined specifically as those associated with phasing out the labour force).

2-- Also, use the when you have mentioned the nouns previously in the conversation or writing.

These two guidelines cover 85% of the usage of the.
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