The difference in pronunciation between "the" (/ðə/ or /ðiː/)

The difference in pronunciation between "the" (/ðə/ or /ðiː/) depends on the word that follows it. Use /ðə/ (rhymes with "uh") before words that begin with a consonant sound. Examples: the book, the car, the university (starts with a 'y' sound), the one (starts with a 'w' sound). Use /ðiː/ (rhymes with "bee") before words that begin with a vowel sound. Examples: the apple, the elephant, the igloo, the orange, the umbrella, the hour (starts with an 'o' sound).