the
specific or known person or thing
Use the when you and the listener know which person or thing you mean.
the + noun
- I bought a jacket yesterday, but the sleeves are too short.
- Could you pass me the salt?
- The report you sent me was really helpful.
- Please close the window.
- I can’t find the keys.
- The woman at the desk helped us.
only or obvious one
Use the when there is only one, or when it is clear which one you mean because of the place or situation.
the + noun
- The sun came out just before lunch.
- I’m going to the bank after work.
- The kitchen is at the back of the apartment.
- The moon looks bright tonight.
- We took the bus to school.
- Dad is in the garden.
with best, first, same, only
Use the with words like best, first, same, only, and main.
the + superlative adjective; the + ordinal number; the + same/only/main
- This is the best coffee I’ve had all week.
- She was the first person to reply.
- You’re the only one who knows the password.
- Today is the hottest day of the year.
- My room is on the second floor.
- We go to the same school.
a whole class or group
Use the to talk about a whole class or group, especially in formal or general statements.
the + singular countable noun; the + adjective for a group of people
- The smartphone has changed the way we communicate.
- The elderly were given priority during the heatwave.
- The poor are often hit hardest by rising prices.
- The tiger is an endangered animal.
- The guitar can be hard to learn at first.
- This charity supports the homeless.
in certain names and titles
Some names always or usually include the, such as the United States, the Pacific, and the United Nations.
the + certain proper names or titles
- She lives in the Netherlands but often travels to the United Kingdom.
- The Thames runs through London.
- I saw the story in The Washington Post.
- We visited the United States last summer.
- They crossed the Pacific by ship.
- He works for the United Nations.
with comparatives
Use the with comparatives to show that when one thing changes, another thing changes too.
the + comparative..., the + comparative...; all the + comparative
- The more I learn about the issue, the more complicated it seems.
- The sooner we leave, the better.
- A clear agenda will make the meeting all the easier to manage.
- The earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket will be.
- The less sugar you add, the healthier it is.
- Bring a map; it will make the trip all the easier.
- Base: the
- Plural: thes
all the time
1very often; continuously
Use this to say something happens very often or does not stop.
- She checks her phone all the time.
- It rains all the time in winter here.
- You don't have to agree with me all the time.
at the same time
2simultaneously; nevertheless
Use this to say two things happen together, or to add another side of an idea.
- They arrived at the same time.
- I want to save money, but at the same time I need a vacation.
- The app lets several people edit the document at the same time.
by the way
1introduce unrelated information
Used to add new information to what you are saying, often not directly related to the main topic.
- By the way, did you see my email?
- By the way, I heard you got a new job.
by the way
2introducing extra information
Used to add new information to a conversation that is not directly about what you were talking about before.
- By the way, have you seen my keys?
- By the way, I met your brother yesterday.
by the way
3introducing an extra point
Use this when you suddenly add another piece of information or ask something new.
- By the way, did you get my email?
- I loved the movie. By the way, the soundtrack is great too.
- Your brother called, by the way.
in the end
1after everything has happened
After everything else has happened; finally.
- In the end, they decided not to buy the house.
- We worked hard and, in the end, we succeeded.
in the end
4finally; after all
Use this to say what happened after everything was considered or finished.
- We tried several routes, and in the end we took the train.
- In the end, it was cheaper to repair the car than to replace it.
- She was nervous, but the interview went well in the end.
in the meantime
1During the period until something happens
While waiting for something else to happen.
- Dinner will be ready in an hour; in the meantime, let's play a game.
- The package hasn't arrived yet. In the meantime, we can check our emails.
in the meantime
6while waiting
Use this to talk about what happens while you are waiting for the next thing.
- The doctor will see you soon. In the meantime, please wait here.
- Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes; in the meantime, you can set the table.
- The new software arrives next month. In the meantime, we will keep using the old system.
on the other hand
1introducing a contrast between ideas
Used to introduce an opposite or different idea from what was said before.
- I like living in the city. On the other hand, it can be very noisy.
- I like city life. On the other hand, it can be stressful.
- He might agree. On the other hand, he could refuse.
- He seems strict, but on the other hand, he cares deeply about his students.
- He’s very talented. On the other hand, he can be lazy.
on the other hand
2introducing an opposite view
Used to introduce an opposite idea or fact.
- I love city life. On the other hand, it can be very stressful.
- He’s very talented. On the other hand, he lacks experience.
on the other hand
5contrasting point
Use this when you want to show the other side of an argument.
- The apartment is small. On the other hand, it is close to work.
- The plan could save money; on the other hand, it may take longer.
- Some people enjoy working from home. On the other hand, others miss the office.
the more the merrier
1better with more people/things
It’s better when there are more people or things involved.
- You can invite your friends— the more the merrier!
- If others want to join us, the more the merrier.
the more the merrier
2more people makes it better
Used to say that you are happy for more people or things to join, because it will make the situation better or more fun.
- "Can I bring a friend to the game?" "Of course, the more the merrier!"
- They invited extra guests at the last minute, saying, "The more the merrier."
the more the merrier
8more people are welcome
Use this to say extra people are welcome.
- Can I bring my sister to the party? Sure—the more the merrier.
- We need volunteers, and the more the merrier.
- Invite your friends too. The more the merrier.
the thing is
7main point or problem
Use this before you explain the real problem or important point.
- I'd love to come, but the thing is, I have to work late.
- The thing is, nobody told us the meeting was canceled.
- It's a good idea. The thing is, we don't have enough money.