The beginner sometimes wonders whether to use 'the' or to omit it. The choice is always difficult. However, if you follow the simple rules, you will have no difficulty in using 'the'.

Mother is preparing breakfast.

'The' is used when you refer to something unique.

The Mahaweli is the longest river in Sri Lanka.

The Earth goes round the Sun.

She is leaving school at the end of December.

Sri Jayawardenepura is the capital of Sri Lanka.

We see a lot of stars in the sky.

We have a minister to protect the environment.

'The' is used before 'same'.

Her frock is the same colour as mine.

The same conductor issued me a ticket.

We studied at the same school.

He sang the same song twice!

You can use 'the' before 'cinema, theatre, radio' but not 'television'.

We hardly go to the cinema.

Very few people go to the theatre.

How many of you listen to the radio?

Children love to watch television.

But: Turn off the television.

She has a small radio.

He bought a colour television yesterday.

'The' is not used (before) 'meals.'

Mother is preparing breakfast.

Teachers have lunch at school.

We are going out for dinner.

'The' is not used before 'hotel rooms' and 'railway platforms'.

Mr. Silva is occupying room 72.

The train on platform 5 will leave for Panadura.

'The" is omitted before 'school, prison, hospital, university' and 'church'.

Susila leaves for school at 7 a.m.

Lalith is in prison for stealing a bicycle.

My grandmother is still in hospital.

Most school leavers do not get an opportunity to go to university.

Most Catholics go to church on Sunday.

But: I went to the prison to see my friend. (I was only a visitor)

Jayanthi went to the hospital to see her grandmother. (Jayanthi was a visitor)

Charles went to the church to meet the priest.

Children love to watch television.

'The' is omitted before the words 'bed, work' and 'home'.

What time do you go to bed?

Clerks start work at 8.30 a.m.

I was going home when she called me.

But: Don't play on the bed, it will break.

The work I do does not give me satisfaction.

Note the difference between 'sea' and 'the sea'.

Sailors spend most of their time at sea.

Some people do not like to live near the sea.

Do you like to swim in the sea?