Using definite (the Microsoft's forum vs Microsoft's forum)

Question

Hello,I was wondering why it is grammatically incorrect to add definite article for ownership, i.e. the Microsoft's forum and Microsoft's forum.As I understand, the is referring to one specific forum.Thanks,

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

"the" is in the grammatical word class of determiners.

In English, one determiner per noun phrase is enough to specify the noun.
The possessive forms are also determiners.

These are wrong:
* I put on the my gloves. (either one or the other, but not both.)
* I looked out of the this window.
* I gave a flower to the Bobby's mother.

It is incorrect to use "the" with proper nouns that name define a unique thing, unless the name begins with "the."

In your case, the name of the company is "Microsoft". It is not "The Microsoft."
So the possessive form is "Microsoft's" not "The Microsoft's."

Compare with The United States of America.
The United States of America's flag is red, white and blue.

It is correct to use "the" with the possessive of common nouns.

The dog's tail is long.
My dog's name is Spot.
Spot's tail is long. (Not The Spot's tail...)

Using definite (the Microsoft's forum vs Microsoft's forum)

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