Section 11.8.3.4

Articles and Proper Nouns

In general, do not use an article with a proper noun unless the noun contains a prepositional phrase.

Unacceptable

the MIT, the America

Acceptable

MIT, America

Unacceptable

United Statesof America

Acceptable

the United States of America

However, there are special cases to take note of.

• You should use the definite article with a proper noun that includes or refers to geographical terms such as river, ocean, bridge, region, or building:

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Unacceptable

Charles River, Atlantic Ocean, Harvard Bridge, Northeast, ComputerMuseum

Acceptable

the Charles River, the AtlanticOcean, the Harvard Bridge, the Northeast,the Computer Museum

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• You should use the definite article with plural lakes, mountains, and islands:

---

Unacceptable

Galapagos Islands, Great Lakes, Rocky Mountains

Acceptable

the Galapagos Islands, the GreatLakes, the Rocky Mountains

Unacceptable

the Long Island, the Lake Superior,the Mount Washington

Acceptable

Long Island, Lake Superior, Mount Washington

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• If you are unsure whether you should use an article with a particular proper noun, check the noun in a specialized dictionary.

## Articles and Proper Nouns ##


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