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The

From Teflpedia

The is the principal definite article used in English.

The is also the most common word in English.

This entry covers pronunciation, mainly.

Pronunciation[edit | edit source]

Strong form v. weak form[edit | edit source]

The strong form of the is (/ði:/) and its weak form is (/ðə/).

Weak form[edit | edit source]

The weak form /ðə/ is commonly used before consonant sounds. This is based on speech sounds rather than spelling, so that we use /ðə/ before:

  • Words beginning U but pronounced /ju:/, e.g. the university.
  • Words beginning with O but pronounced /w/, e.g. the one thing, the Ouija board.

Strong form[edit | edit source]

Conversely, the strong form /ði:/ is typically used before vowel sounds, again regardless of spelling. This means that words with silent H take the strong form, e.g. the hour /ði: aʊə/.

The strong form is also used when speakers want to stress the following word, we often use /ði:/, even if that following word begins with a consonant: It’s the best place in town! (/ði: best/).

Elision[edit | edit source]

In rapid speech, ð may be elided to a schwa sound, particularly if merged into a previous /s/ or /z/ sound, so e.g. “What’s the matter" sounds like /ˈwɒtsəˈmætə/. Also, e.g. "join the army" can end up as /ˈʤɔɪniˈɑ:mi:/.

References[edit | edit source]