Ordinals with 'The' — The First, The Last, The Next
Practice 'the' with ordinal numbers and sequencing words. Learn why 'the first', 'the second', 'the last' and 'the only' always require the definite article.
Ordinal Numbers and the Definite Article
Ordinal numbers — first, second, third, fourth — and related sequencing words such as last, next, only, previous, following always take the definite article the when used attributively. The semantic reason is clear: an ordinal identifies a unique position within a sequence, making the noun it modifies inherently specific and identifiable. 'The first person to finish' picks out one specific individual from the set; 'the last day of the holiday' refers to one specific day. Because the noun is by definition identifiable, the is the only possible article choice.
Ordinal Numbers
Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon.
This is the third time I've called you today.
She was the second person to finish the exam.
Sequencing Words
Words that position a noun in a sequence behave identically:
I'll take the next available seat.
She was the only student to pass.
He caught the following train instead.
Ordinals in Names and Titles
Ordinals in proper names and titles also use 'the', though in speech the article sometimes contracts with the name:
Henry the Eighth
the Second World War
Common Mistakes
✗ It was a last day of the holiday. → ✓ It was the last day of the holiday.