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English Quiz | How to use the article 'the' with general concepts

English Grammar Common mistakes when using 'the' Many people are worried about the bad effects of mobiles on brain. [incorrect] Many people are worried about the bad effects of mobiles on the brain. [correct] We need to look at factors such as the availability of health care. [correct] We need to look at factors such as availability of health care. [incorrect] We use the before nouns which describe a general type of thing rather than a specific example of that thing: These are problems for students living away from the family . We don’t know the effects of such chemicals on the body . The role of the student at university level varies greatly from country to country. Most of our business is carried out over the telephone . The is also used before abstract nouns which describe a situation, a quality, a process or a change. These words are often followed by of something. There is a problem with the availability of clean water in som