the

[kinfai]

Very often, I find it hard if I should use "the" or not. For example,

1. (The) School is a place to learn.
2. Mary plays (the) piano well.
3. I pay $100 for (the) air-conditioning in my house.

Is there any rules? Thanks a lot.

[Pyan]

Very often, I find it hard if I should use "the" or not. For example,

1. (The) School is a place to learn.
2. Mary plays (the) piano well.
3. I pay $100 for (the) air-conditioning in my house.

Is there any rules? Thanks a lot.


Hello kinfair

There are some useful questions and answers on this site in previous posts. Sorry, I cannot 'post a link'. If you search the site, from the home page, for "articles" you will find them.

I speak British English. I would say:
1. School is the place to learn.
2. Mary plays the piano well.
3. Either with or without the definite article. I paid $100 for the air-conditioning or I paid $100 for air-conditioning are both fine and both sound natural.

I hope this helps