Grammar notes

Using or omitting the definite article the

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The may be used when the noun or noun phrase is specific, i.e. when there is an answer to the question 'which?' or 'what?'	The may be omitted when a plural noun or noun phrase is used in a general (indefinite) sense.
the time (which is) taken the problem (which we must address) the problems (which) we have yet to consider the computer industry Note: The words in brackets above are unstated but assumed to be understood by the reader.	computers video signals TV signals fax machines messages children

The is also used in the following cases

• Things known to everyone
• Things that are unique
• Widely known inventions
• Time expressions

The is used with time expressions the past the present the future the 1990s	Things that are unique the internet the Web
Things known to everyone the world the sun the stars	Widely known inventions the computer the telescope the microchip

The may be used when the noun or noun phrase is specific, i.e. when there is an answer to the question: 'which?' or 'what?'	The may be omitted when a plural noun or noun phrase is used in a general (indefinite) sense.
the development of management accounting the role of management the changes which have occurred the basis of this discussion	traditional management-accounting practices business operations rapid economic changes recommendations costs

The may be used when writing of something as a single entity	The may be omitted when describing the parts that make up that entity
the global marketplace the marketplace	global markets markets