The

The is the principal definite article used in English.

The is also the most common word in English.

This entry covers pronunciation, mainly.

Pronunciation

Strong form v. weak form

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

Weak form

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

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

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:/.