Definite Article with Languages


Rule 7.11: Do not use the indefinite article or the definite article when referring to the names of languages.


Correct: English is hard.
Incorrect: An English is hard.
Incorrect: The English is hard.

Correct: Bill wants to learn Chinese.
Incorrect: Bill wants to learn a Chinese.
Incorrect: Bill wants to learn the Chinese.


Rule 7.12: Use the definite article when the word language immediately follows the name of a language.


English is hard.
The English language is hard.

Bill wants to learn Chinese.
Bill wants to learn the Chinese language.


[WpProQuiz 108]