Definite article "THE"

We use the definite article "THE"

• When identity has been established by an earlier mention (often with an indefinite article)
• When identity is established by the postmodification that follows the noun.
• When the object or group of objects is the only one that exists or has existed. Ex. the stars, the earth, the world, etc.
• When reference is made to an institution shared by the community. Ex. the radio, the television, the telephone, etc.

In my paper I wrote (...) about to finish the high school.(...). Here the use of the definite article is wrong, because I am not talking about an especific high school, but any high school. The right version of that sentence is (...) about to finish high school. (...).


Source: Leech, G & Svartivik, J (1975). A communicative Grammar of English. Syngapore. Longman