Другие конкретные случаи использования 'The'
In addition to its primary function of indicating specificity, the definite article the is used in several other common contexts. These uses often follow specific patterns and are important for fluent communication.
1. С прилагательными в превосходной степени
When using a superlative adjective (e.g., the best, the tallest, the most interesting), you almost always use the. This is because a superlative refers to a single, unique item from a group.
- She is the best singer in the world.
- This is the most difficult problem I've ever solved.
2. С порядковыми числительными
Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third) also refer to a specific position in a sequence, so they require the definite article.
- This is the first time I've been here.
- He finished in the second place.
3. С музыкальными инструментами и изобретениями
When referring to musical instruments or historical inventions in a general sense (representing the category), you use the.
- She can play the piano very well.
- Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.
Note: If you are talking about a specific item, the rule is the same as for other nouns. For example: 'I bought a piano last week. The piano is beautiful.'
4. С названиями газет и отелей
Names of newspapers and hotels almost always use the.
- I read the New York Times every morning.
- They stayed at the Ritz-Carlton.