the Indefinite and Definite Article with Adjectives


Rule 5.4: Use the definite article with adjectives that describe groups of people.


Long

Rich people get richer and poor people get poorer.
Blind people lead challenging lives.
X-Mansion was a school for gifted students.
You should always show kindness to homeless people.

Shortened using the

The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
The blind lead challenging lives.
X-Mansion was a school for the gifted.
You should always show kindness to the homeless.


[WpProQuiz 77]

Rule 5.5: Use the definite article in specially created names and formal titles.


Name + the + Adjective

Elizabeth the Second
Henry the Eighth
Edward the Magnificent
Michael the Brave
Alfred the Great

Name + the + Noun

Peter the Hermit
William the Conqueror
Stan the Man
Bob the Butler
Frank the Tank


[WpProQuiz 78]

Rule 5.6: Use the definite article with the superlative


This is the best steak I have ever eaten.
Russia is the largest country in the world.
Jake is the strongest person I know.


[WpProQuiz 79]

Rule 5.7: Do not use the definite article with the comparative.


Correct: Today is a colder day than yesterday.
Incorrect: Today is the colder day than yesterday.

Correct: Can you give me better advice?
Incorrect: Can you give me the better advice?


a

[WpProQuiz 80]

Rule 5.8: The indefinite article may sometimes appear between an adjective and a noun when using the comparative as ___ as.


France is as advanced as Germany.
France is as advanced a country as Germany.

Chocolate isn’t as healthy as fruit.
Chocolate isn’t as healthy a food as fruit.


[WpProQuiz 81]

Extra!: The indefinite article may also appear between an adjective and a noun when using the word too.


Sword fighting is too dangerous to play.
Sword fighting is too dangerous a game to play.

It’s too shallow to dive into.
It’s too shallow a pool to dive into.


[WpProQuiz 82]

 Rule 5.9: Use the definite article with double comparatives.


The earlier, the better.
The longer you stay up, the more tired you get.


[WpProQuiz 83]