Rule 3 – THE for Specific Nouns • The Prime Minister of the UK. (There may be many prime ministers in the world, but the context is that there is only one specific Prime Minister of the UK). • Can you pass me the sugar that’s on the table. (We mean not any sugar but that which is on the specific table). • The cars outside my home are blocking my driveway.
Rule 9 – Ø with Uncountable Nouns General Concept • He drinks a lot of water (general concept). • I’d like some water (uncountable). • Too much sugar (general concept) is bad for your teeth. • There is little sugar (uncountable) in my tea. Note: He drinks a lot of water but He’d like a glass of water.