5 words that do not need "the" before them!

Articles play an extremely important role in ensuring that we speak and write correct English.

"The" is the definite article that is used to assign a definite place to a particular thing or person.

While it is extremely important to use "the" at the right places, some of us use it too liberally. This extremely liberal use of "the" i.e. using it even when it is not required makes us look careless and naïve while changing the meaning of the sentence many a times.

Here are 5 words which do not need "the" to be used before them. Read on to see, if you also use it before these words.

1. English (or any other language)

When you refer to English language or any other language for that matter, you do not need to use "the".

For e.g. It is incorrect to say, The English is the most largely spoken language across the world.

Skip that "the" before English and try speaking the sentence again. Yes, this is the right way!

You do not need to use "the" before the names of the languages until you wish to refer to the language spoken in a particular part of the world.

For e.g. "The English spoken by Indians differs from the one spoken by native speakers"

2. Gold (or any other metal)

Until and unless you want to particularise the "gold" don’t use "the" before it or the name of any other metal.

For e.g. It is incorrect to say, "The gold and the silver are precious metals."
Just say, "Gold and Silver are precious metals."

However if you wish to refer to the gold of a particular place, you should use "the".
For e.g. "The gold of UAE is of high quality"

3. Rice, Wheat (and other food grains)

For e.g. India exports wheat to Pakistan. Or
Rice is the staple food of Bengal.

You don’t need "the" before wheat here.
Only when you wish to particularise it, should you use "the". For e.g. "The wheat of Gujarat is world famous!"

4. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (the meals)

For e.g. "I had the lunch with family" or
"I enjoyed the dinner with my friends" is incorrect to say.

You can just do with "I had lunch with family" or "I enjoyed dinner with my friends"

Only when you want to talk about a particular meal, should it be preceded by "the".

For e.g. "The wedding dinner held at Hyatt was delicious"

5. Hockey, Cricket, Football (other games)

For e.g. It is incorrect to say,

"The Cricket is the religion of India" or
"The hockey has lost its sheen in India" or
"The football is the favourite game of Brazil"

You should just say, "Cricket is the religion of India" or "Hockey has lost its sheen in India" or "Football is the favourite game of Brazil"