Grammar: Using THE with common and abstract nouns

An abstract noun is a word that means a general concept or idea, like "life" or "friendship". We can use "the" with common nouns, as in "the sky is blue". But can we use "the" with abstract nouns? For example, would you say "happiness is important" or "the happiness is important"? If you are not sure, watch this lesson to learn when to use "the" with general and abstract nouns. Don't forget to take the quiz afterwards to test your understanding!
www.engvid.com/grammar-the-com...
TRANSCRIPT
Hi. I'm Rebecca from engVid. Many English learners have trouble deciding when to use "the" or no "the", so I understand that problem, I know it can be a little bit confusing, but I believe that by the end of this lesson, you're going to find it much easier. Okay?
So let's start with a little quiz first to see where you stand regarding that word "the". So, let's look at this first example. Should you say: "Life is beautiful." or "The life is beautiful."? Okay. Think about it. Decide. Another one: "Friendship is precious." or "The friendship is precious."? Which one is right? Think for yourself. We'll do one more, and then I'll give you the answers. "Happiness is important." or "The happiness is important."? Which one is correct? Do you know? How do you know?
How do you decide which one is right? I'll tell you. When we're talking about something which is a general concept or idea, then we do not use "the". Okay? For example, let's take the first one. "Life is beautiful." Now, life is a general concept, so we do not need "the". So, this is the correct answer. All right? Not this. "Life is beautiful." Because life is a general idea, a general concept. Okay? We're not talking about anything specific. If we say: "The life of wise people is beautiful." that is something specific, and then we would be correct to say: "The life". Okay? But if we're just talking in general, then no "the".
Let's look at the next example. "Friendship is precious." Again, friendship is a general idea or a general concept, so this is correct. Okay? In this example, this one was wrong. But if I said, for example: "The friendship between those two children is precious." then that would be fine, because now I'm specifying which friendship. Right? The friendship between those two children, so then it becomes specific, and then we would use "the". But in this example, this is correct. Okay? Just like this was, and this is wrong, because this is a general idea. Okay?
Next one: "Happiness is important." By now you know, again, happiness is a general idea, a general concept, so this is correct. In this example, it would be wrong to say: "The happiness", because: The happiness of what? So, if we say: "The happiness of my family is important." that's fine. That's very good. That would be a perfect sentence. But in this case, we cannot say: "The happiness is important." because we didn't specify which happiness. Okay? So, in this case, that's wrong, and this is correct. Okay?
Now, the same principle applies to these. See if you can figure it out. Okay? "I want to make money." or "I want to make the money."? Which one do you think is right? Are we speaking in general, or are we speaking specifically? Well, we are speaking in general right now, so this is correct, because we're just talking about money; we didn't say which money. I want to make money. Right? General idea. If I said, for example: "I want to make the money I need to pay my rent." that's specific, so then I could say: "the money", because I'm explaining after that which money. Okay? But in this example, no.
Next one: "She wants to lose weight." or "She wants to lose the weight."? Is it general or is it specific? What do you think? It's still general. Good. By now you're getting really smart. "She wants to lose weight." is a general term. Right? We're just talking about weight in general; not any specific weight. But if I say: "She wants to lose the weight she put on during the holidays." that's specific, and then I need "the". Okay? But not in this example.
So, last one here: "He needs to earn respect." or do we say: "He needs to earn the respect."? Is it general or is it specific? By now you know, you'll really know. It's general. Very good. Okay? Because we didn't talk about any specific respect; we're talking about respect in general. So: "He needs to earn respect." But if this was being used, it would be something like: "He needs to earn the respect of his peers." Peers are people your age. Okay? Or: "He needs to earn the respect of his employees." for example, or "of his parents". Then it becomes specific. Which respect? The respect of his parents, the respect of his employees. All right?
So, if it was specific, then we could say "the", but when we're just talking in general, we don't need "the". "Life is beautiful.", "Friendship is precious.", "Happiness is important.", "I want to make money.", "She wants to lose weight.", "He needs to earn respect."

[@rishsharma16]

This lady gives out some motherly vibes. Wonderful woman. May God Bless You! 🙂

[@vineeth.m.k1368]

🍰🥮🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈✅🍬🍭🍧🍺🥂🍡🍮🍫🌑🍰🥞🍗🌑🌊🌑🍰🥞🍮🌊🥞🍦🍝🍡🥮🍡🐷🐷🐖🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😁😊😊☺️😚😙😏😌🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@abiel5139]

Kumar Kumar morning I just saw

[@elsablandon2973]

@@vineeth.m.k1368 LLLLMLULH j Q

[@didaramini9790]

@@vineeth.m.k1368 111

[@mohammedsardar3779]

God bless you Rebecca. Feeling very happy when learning through you. Please continue your teaching. Your knowledge is precious. Thanks a ton for your efforts.

[@dr.rajeevguptaprof.1560]

Your smile and gestures reflect a great and truly loving teacher in you.

[@teaawmpuia3014]

Haha

[@sagarsagar6911]

You're absolutely right.i have deep respect for her.

[@naglatha]

It's correct

[@edgecampus9175]

@@teaawmpuia3014 1111111

[@4ikke_bhaipe549]

😂 Gupta ji trying like a teen things. Keep it up Gupta ji 🚀

[@errolharding4409]

A brilliant teacher can always simplify things. You are a brilliant teacher.

[@EbrahimAhmed-wn8vz]

I had a lot of problems with English grammar before. I learned a lot every day I watched your video. Thank you so much and wish you all the best.

[@feliannabumba1052]

Thank you🎉

[@Janukarthikharsh]

Thank you Mrs.Rebecca. I have never seen anyone teaching English like you. I can understand easily. You are an amazing teacher. I had lot of confusions in using 'The'. But your explanation made me clear. Thank you. I have learnt lot from you.

[@omeeden6763]

She's the real teacher. I like her soothing tone

[@selmamathews3367]

Thankyou madam

[@RezaulKarim-tb7kb]

@@selmamathews3367 and his friends have a good day to

[@kaiushijima7060]

〇 She's the real teacher. ✖ She's real teacher. Are these answers correct ? Arigato gozaimasu. ありがとうございます。。

[@eseteko4476]

she is A real teacher not the real teacher.. she is THE real teacher of--- who? you see. You need to be specific when using (THE) hahahahahahaa

[@ashmitagupta]

What's the meaning of soothing ?

[@manuelcampos9239]

Happiness is important, but more important is the happiness I will feel when I can speak english fluently. Thank you Rebecca.

[@kaiushijima7060]

Oh, your comprehension of the common & abstract noun grammar is good. Is this my English sentence all right ? I'm still not sure.........

[@amtuljamil8881]

I am very happy, your way of teaching is excellent. I am very happy.

[@ishaakismail9458]

To be honest, You're the best teacher I've ever got on youtube, thank you milion times dear teacher❤

[@MrArnav03]

Wow ! I've been having problem with articles for a long time. you've cleared all my doubts. One of the best video on"The". Thanks !

[@sadanangopalan3400]

your teaching is very different

[@mariapierremont3818]

You are an excellent teacher. Gracias.

[@basavarajappag7490]

Excellent teaching Ma'am

[@evanskemboi79]

Excellent explanation

[@jorgemunoz5008]

Máx steel

[@naomiviyaan7658]

you aer 78years I think

[@jacogo7230]

De nada

[@lilychong7965]

Pls keep up with your good work,Ms Rebecca.Stay safe n be healthy.Together we learn English happily.Wishing all readers pleasant days ahead.

[@pedropita2259]

I like the way you are teaching English for foreign students. You're excellent teacher.

[@mnice9984]

😍😍😍 Its like listening to a patient mother teaching with love😃😃. (I'm sorry if I have mistakes, I'm learning).

[@mrcherill4477]

You do not have mistakes 🙂

[@mrcherill4477]

But remember its is possession, you have to use it's in this case

[@amarduarah752]

We’re so lucky that I have you as a online teacher! We appreciate you. You are a wonderful teacher.

[@kendielmedia4621]

The best English teacher I have ever seen. Thank you.

[@Elixir-Advice]

I fell the joy inside of me when I found the best teacher like you mrs. rebica.

[@soukainabargach5131]

You are a great teacher. I love your lessons. You are the best!

[@kanyapornkay]

You're a super teacher who can explain it very clearly.

[@tranvankhoa3724]

Dear Rebecca, Thank you for your lesson. You explain so easy to understand. I enjoy learning and listen to you. Best regards

[@wodonos7971]

Amazing! The best explanation of how to use the article "the" so far. Thank you.

[@terencetl7390]

I will be happy to have you as my teacher any time ... so clear n concise.... thank you 🙏

[@barnoma-soz]

A great woman. Thanks a lot. Your lessons are really good, helpful for me especially. good luck to you

[@halakamal1192]

I think all students who want to learn English have to follow you, with all respect and I appreciate your efforts

[@dikmak3459]

Laughter is magical. THE laughter of children is magical. But... THE laughter of THE children IN THE YARD is magical. Rebecca, thank you for your lesson!

[@bianca-amparo]

You’re a wonderful teacher 👩‍🏫 I love this channel

[@dehaliou2391]

Me too 💓💓💓

[@jhansilakshmi1406]

U love I hate

[@bianca-amparo]

@@jhansilakshmi1406 Its simple!!! Fuck u

[@mythoughts_6776]

@@jhansilakshmi1406 shut u idiot

[@houssaianazahaf6328]

You are a good teacher

[@remyfernandes7765]

Ma'am I don't know how to express my gratitude towards you for teaching me all this. I'm 40 now and feel I should've come across your channel much earlier. Thank you so much; love from India! 🙏☺️

[@omegavanlalduata9863]

You are the best English Teacher I've ever seen.

[@vilmagrate1789]

Thank you teacher Rebecca, lt was a Great video! I love the way you teaches us.

[@5410th]

Thank you. This is something I used to struggle with. Not anymore!

[@alesyborges]

Thank you very much for your lessons!!! They are so precious. Many more success for your channel. ❤️

[@eliasacosta23]

i love this teacher because, she explains to us easier than others teachers. thaks

[@ramachandracharka259]

Honestly Madam your teaching skills r amazing I use to correct my English.

[@flight7149]

You are a great English teacher. Really appreciated your effort.

[@manuelcampos9239]

Hi Rebecca. Thank you for your lessons. Especially this one, I really enjoyed it, because it was so helpful.

[@Eddie-yb9zt]

What a explaination! English is my secend language, but it doesn't a matter for me. I am turkısh, And englısh is taught as foreign language in turkey. I feel like I've understood englısh better with listening to your classes. The turkısh teachers have got very bad pronounciation. I don't Understand 'em but I understand you sir. Thank you😘❤

[@deepshikhaghosh7421]

I really admire you Rebecca. You don't know how much your lessons have helped me to improve my English. ❤️

[@augustinaonyinyechi9909]

You're born to be a teacher. I love everything of your teaching. You're doing extremely well.

[@hassanaingh.1970]

Really salute your teaching technique ma'am. Love ur Lesson.

[@udayanganianuradha6532]

I love to learn english because of your loveable ,clear teaching pattern ....thank you so much...god bless you..may god protect you 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@yokogooge4088]

She is the best English teacher in the world. Love her method of teaching! God bless her! ❤️😍😍😍🥰

[@luisdelacruzpainado2732]

Excellent lesson! I've had some troubles by understanding the correct use of "the". It's very clear now. Thank you

[@jrnipa7943]

You are a great teacher ; Your method is easy and helpful for us. Thank you.

[@chalaalemu6710]

Thank you Rebecca for your awesome teaching,much respect.

[@lanor_silva1682]

Awesome tips, I had so much problem with the use of the definite article, "The". I'm learning English, and You're a very good teacher.

[@ladliduamughal1555]

Assalam o alaikum 😊 I m from Pakistan 😍 I really love ur teaching style 😎 I attend ur all lactures ....😉lovely nature ☺😊😉

[@victoriadunham895]

I am really grateful for your efforts! I always gain useful knowledge from your lessons!

[@Trini2DeBone]

Wow, I have spoken English all my life and didn't know there were times when you should not use "the"...thanks much for this video.

[@mdfazlyrabbi1349]

You are my favourite English teacher. God may bless you❤️❤️❤️

[@progamerthomas4713]

I wish you were my childhood English teacher. I am learning the basics from you which I should have had from my elementary school teacher. A big thank you.

[@dorota366]

Oh the THE! It was on my mine for long time, I didn’t know when shoul I use it. Finally I understood thank you ☺️

[@deepalikashid1291]

Wow,what a great teacher you are. I'll tell others also to see your videos

[@Mariia-lr4vx]

This channel is such a blessing. Thank you!

[@SofiaOHabib]

Thank you so much for this wonderful leasons. I just found out about you yesterday by accident. I believe Adam is in your group at engvid. I use to watch his video for almost a year, but your teaching style is phenomenal. Keep up the work & may God bless you. Please correct any grammar I have in this note. My goal is to study communication & continue to obtain master in English. Thank you again.

[@williamclarke4110]

Thanks a lot dear teacher I am learning with you english grammar step by step... God bless you Zahoor Said (Islamabad)

[@avinashmaggidi9749]

I'm terribly love the way of your teaching.God bless you! I have been following all your videos since 3 years ago..i have learned a lot from the videos of what you're sharing with us to help in uplifting our skills in english language.

[@hishambadrelgammal8271]

Best grammar teacher in the whole KZbin

[@tayyabmustafa2012]

Many thanks for your assistance.

[@facundosoy2486]

I love your videos. The subjects you teach are clear and very helpful.

[@xandrabonaobra27]

Thank you so much Ma'am Rebecca. Your lessons are clear and easy to understand. I have learned a lot from your lessons.

[@salmanrrm118]

Lectures on grammar are important. The lectures of Madam Rebecca are the most important.

[@MarcosPaulo-ce4or]

I just found my new favorite teacher! Thanks a lot!

[@jdtrozsnyai]

I have never got such a clear explanation about this topic, it was always very obscure to me. (My own rule till now in this topic was: which one sounds better?) Thank you very much for this great video lesson.

[@journeyneverends_1]

Thank you so much for this lesson teacher Rebecca!!! It is the most understandable lesson I've ever taken. Very very helpful one!!!

[@Metaphyical0samak]

I am grateful to have a supportive healthy teacher

[@andreagiraldomdphd.8376]

You are the best, Dear Prof Rebecca. A

[@antonkei6516]

Andrea Giraldo MD Yeah, you're right.

[@turtletalk5657]

THIS VIDEO IS VERY USEFULL FOR MY LIFE AND ANY SITUATION.

[@ivanarevalo7024]

HELLO MY FRIEND, I LIKE YOUR ENGLISH CLASSES. YOU ARE A GOOD TEACHER.

[@bryanadam3964]

👍👍 the simplest explanation I've ever seen on internets.

[@manmohanbisht8156]

I am really struggling with grammar, I'm hoping that your videos helping me.

[@juliettejune6583]

you're an amazing teacher.

[@jghosh2006]

As always enjoyed it Rebecca for the extreme simplicity in your way of teaching.

[@cartoongalaxy3027]

I didn't feel, I was watching it on KZbin as I was nodding everytime after getting correct answer. Best teacher ever 😉

[@angelseroy360]

Thank you so much for your wonderful explanation that you have share to us Ms. Rebecca. My understanding of the word "The" was added to my knowledge after i watched the video. I was confused how to used this word " The" before. Keep making more videos for us Ms. Rebecca. May God blesses you always...

[@zero.andreguimaraes]

Thank you Rebecca, I think I already knew, but Idk how to explain the answers, it was like a feeling that I had about the use of "the" haha. Now I know! Ty from Brazil

[@moumitabasu553]

Mam please discuss subject and predicate

[@Mseleku1]

It has been a hassle for me to understand this, hence I decided to search for a video that addresses it. Luckily, I found someone with expertise. Much appreciation. 😊

[@deepalikashid1291]

What a comment

[@deepalikashid1291]

Xykdktghmhx

[@auryhudamc7497]

Thank you, I always understand every lessons that you teaching to us 🧑🏻‍💻

[@maricartorio5262]

very informative! thanks for this video

[@sameeryadgari]

I need someone to chat English with. Do you want to chat with me?

[@sonaborali3456]

@@sameeryadgari yes I am ready to chat. My bro.

[@aquakhankhan2694]

Amazing

[@thedreamerbakoure7157]

maricar torio good information

[@radhaterapyar6478]

Please write me website name

[@gordanapopovic8832]

This is a perfect lecture. Thank you.

[@nemanjaradojkovic7646]

Gordana you are beautiful if it's you on the photo. Let's improve English together.

[@jomonpjoseperiyar]

@@nemanjaradojkovic7646 😂

[@bonginkosidlamini2320]

The best teacher I ever watched!

[@arshctr]

Her English pronunciation is very soft & clear while amricns & britsh put their full energy only to speak a single word

[@bibhakumari3920]

Thank you mam for the wonderful explanation..

[@lenzmagallanes6369]

My score: 5/5 Thanks for sharing...💓

[@anname7720]

Ms. Rebecca,I never met you but you are my best English teacher 😍😍😍.

[@nafeesaahmadzai9405]

You’re the best English teacher!!

[@tariqhussain5024]

People want happiness! But I want the happiness of my baby! Cooperation is important . But the cooperation of the employee is important. Life is beautifull. But the life if some people have become miserable. Friendship is good. But the friendship of dishonest people is not good. Love is lovely. But the love between these couples is intense.

[@nahalnahal7457]

We use "The" with General Concept thank you so much For useful explanition

[@kesz40]

we dont use -the- with generał concept

[@JorgeHernandez-cl4vi]

@@kesz40 it's specifique, no use "the" in general concepts.

[@darlingtonsibanda1653]

thank you a lot Rebecca for your time we're finally improving our wishes in life

[@camilag4243]

Loved the lesson and your clear and lovely explanations

[@alantobbythomas8917]

Hi Rabecca, l am really grateful to you, for what you are doing by helping people around the globe to understand and use English in a better way. Could you please let us know the places where we should pronounce The as "Dee" and "Daa".

[@avidrationalist7281]

The use of definite article was explained at its best.👌👌

[@loveadri3004]

I love this channel.Thanks.God Bless you.

[@udayanganianuradha6532]

I have no enough words to thank you ....please god, protect our english teacher ..love you madam 😘😘😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹

[@3456784197]

you are good teacher : rebecca

[@rashadal-daher8475]

This what I was looking for ✅🌹❤️

[@noreenbaig5482]

Hardworking is the key of success. The appreciation of my teacher is very precious for me.

[@friedgholian2747]

Thank You Rebecca for your lovely and best explanation. I've been learning English for a long time. You are the best

[@blackrose584]

i love it! thanks rebecca 😇!

[@sanikashmiri726]

Baby cartoon

[@krishnanvaradharajan9952]

Thanks madam

[@amnaaziz4459]

Yuhkjkpjohj💜

[@ammarvas7521]

Could you upload the video for “a” and “an” as well?

[@naveenjayanthi7830]

Rebacca is the queen in teaching no one can beat her such a inspiring teacher

[@salimarif9080]

Best teacher for English Gramer we love you best teacher ❤❤❤❤