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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[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:/.