In general we use the + noun when we are referring to a specific idea.

We do not normally
use the + noun when we are referring to a general idea.

Eg : -The graffiti on the wall at school is vulgar (we are thinking of a specific instance of
graffiti)
-Graffiti is vulgar (we are thinking of graffiti in general)
-The apples taste delicious (some specific apples)
-Apples taste delicious (Apples in general)
Practice Put The/the or leave a blank where necessary:

1. I don’t like _______ rap music

2. I don’t like _______ rap music I heard yesterday.
3. ________ cycle lanes in Marseille are not very safe.
4. ________ cycle lanes should be created in cities.
5. The Internet is a danger for _______ children
6. ________ children at my friend’s school are given lessons about the Internet safety
7. She spent all _________ money she won on the lottery
8. ________ money can’t buy you happiness
9. ________English is my favourite subject
10._______ _CLES exam I took was very easy.

We normally use ‘s for the possessive form for people and animals
Eg: The man’s car / The President’s proposal
We normally use of for things
Eg: The cover of the book (or the book cover), the roof of the house,
We can use ‘s or of for an organization, a group of people, or a place.
Eg: The University’s future or the future of the University.
Practice:

The bike / tourist ____________________________________________

The charity / money _________________________________________

The attractions / London ______________________________________

The advantages / project ______________________________________

Answer Key:

1. zero article
2. the
3. The
4. zero article
5. zero article
6. The
7. the
8. zero article
9. zero article
10.The

The tourist’s bike

The charity’s money / The money of the charity
London’s attractions / the attractions of London
The advantages of the project