Definite articles
The definite article "the" (invariable in form) designates a person, place, or event which has been specified or defined by the speaker:
Omission of the definite article
The definite article does not always precede nouns: sometimes indefinite articles or partitive articles will be used. Often, though, no article at all is necessary, as in the following cases:
1. As a general rule, the definite article is omitted before abstract nouns or nouns representing general categories. It is often omitted after verbs expressing opinions or preferences:
2. Generally, the article is omitted before days of the week and dates:
3. Generally, the article is omitted before names of countries, states, cities, and regions:
Exception: Some names actually include the definite article, such as The Hague.
4. Generally, the article is omitted before titles or nouns indicating professions:
The use of the definite article does not change in interrogatives and negatives.