the first 和 first 的区别在于词性和句子功能。
the first 和 first 在单独使用时(即不与其他单词构成词组),词性不同,句子功能也不同。the first 是名词,在句子里可以作主语、宾语、
表语和介词宾语,而 first 是副词,在句子里作状语修饰动词、形容词或其它副词,以及整个句子。例:
The first is the best. (名词,作主语)
He wants to be the first. (名词,作表语)
You want the first? You get it! (名词,作宾语)
You must go after the first!
First come, first go. (副词,修饰动词)
If you're first elected, you will be the leader. (副词,修饰形容词)
The first well accomplished project will certainly catch the attention of the management. (副词,修饰副词 well。注意这个句子里的 the first 不是定指 first,而是 project。)
First, I'll read Chinese. Then, you'll read English. (副词,修饰整个句子)