LoginZero Article
In this lesson, master the use of the zero article to indicate nouns without articles. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What is Zero Article in English?
Zero article is a term used in English grammar to refer to the absence of an article (either definite or indefinite) before a noun. In other words, it refers to cases where no article is needed.
Why Do We Use Zero Articles?
Sometimes it is not necessary to use an article before a noun or noun phrase. In these cases, we do not use any articles and call it 'zero article.' Check out the examples:
I want to call Maria.
Let's have dinner outside.
I love football.
Zero Article: Uses
Usually, we use zero articles to make a general or categorical statement. We also use them when the noun is itself definite and does not need any articles. Accordingly, we can distinguish two categories that call for zero article:
Nouns Referring to Proper Entities
Nouns Referring to Generic Concepts
Nouns Referring to Proper Entities
Proper nouns including names of people, most countries and places, brands, etc. are definite on their own, so there is no need to use an article to define them. Here are some examples of proper nouns that are used without articles:
Sam is standing over there. (Not 'The/ a/ an Sam is standing over there.')
name of a person
My mother calls my cat Fluffy. (Not 'My mother calls my cat the/ a/an fluffy.')
name of a pet
I'd love to visit Venice one day.
name of a city
I have always wanted to go on safari in Africa.
name of a continent
Lake Michigan is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.
Exception
There are some special cases when proper nouns take the definite article. For example names of some countries, famous landmarks and artifacts, etc. For example:
He is visiting the United States on his business trip.
Names of some countries take the definite article.
We're planning to visit the Louvre during our trip.
Nouns Referring to Generic Concepts
Some nouns that refer to a whole category or group without distinguishing its characteristics might appear without any article in sentences. They are sometimes used to refer to indefinite or unspecific groups of people or things. When generic nouns are in the plural form, they always require zero article. However, when they are in the singular form, indefinite and definite articles can be used in addition to zero article.
Dogs are known to be loyal animals.
a generic plural noun used with zero article
A dog is known to be a loyal animal.
The dog is known to be a loyal animal.
Mass Nouns
Mass nouns, also known as non-count or uncountable nouns, typically cannot take an indefinite article ('a' or 'an') before them. This is because uncountable nouns refer to things that cannot be counted or quantified in discrete units and indefinite articles show singularity which is in contrast with the nature of mass nouns. So, when these nouns are used in a generic sense, zero article happens. Here are some example sentences:
They speak Russian. (Not 'They speak the/a/an Russian.')
Let's have lunch together. (Not 'Let's have the/a/an lunch together.')
She studies mathematics in university. (Not 'The/a/an mathematics.)
Basketball was my favorite sport when I was a teenager.
Exception
If the uncountable noun is used to refer to a specific instance or occurrence of the noun, it can take the definite article. For example:
The dinner that was served at the party was wonderful.
In this example, the relative clause is describing the word 'dinner' and identifies a specific meal; as a result, you can use the article 'the' before 'dinner'.
I like to learn the Polish language.
In this case, "Polish" is an adjective for the noun "language" and identifies it. So, the definite article is required.
Nouns Referring to Abstract Concepts
When nouns that refer to abstract concepts are used to refer to the concept in a generic sense, they do not take any articles. However, like mass nouns, if a specific instance or occurrence of the noun is intended, the definite article can be used.
Happiness is not by chance but by choice.
In this example, we cannot say 'the happiness.'
I listen to music while I work.
Here, the general concept of music is intended.
Listen to the music, please!
Here, a specific piece of musical work is intended and thus the definite article is needed.
Nouns in Adverbial Prepositional Phrases
When prepositional phrases are used to refer to a general time, place, or manner, they do not need any articles before the noun.
The man was in jail for many years.
She's in bed.
I cannot talk on the phone at midnight. It is a rule in our house.
We'll meet on Monday.
We went to the festival by car.
They spoke in person.
Exceptions
When we are referring to a place in an institutional sense, we do not use articles. However, if we use it to refer to a specific, physical place, we can use articles.
Kids go to school from the age of seven.
Here, the institution is intended.
We're going to the new school to check it out.
This sentence refers to a specific building meant to be used as an education institution.
Additionally, if we want to refer to a day of a week on an unspecified date or to a month of an unspecified year, we can use the indefinite article. For example:
He left on a Sunday and never came back.
It all started in a December in the 90's.
Tip!
Newspaper headlines typically do not use articles to observe space limitations. For example:
Local High School Wins State Championship in Footballs
Men Walk on Moon
Review
Sometimes using an article or other determiner is not necessary or even permissible. Such cases are considered as instances of zero articles. Some nouns or specific contexts require use of zero articles, including:
proper nouns: names of people, places, landmarks, planets, brands, etc.
generic nouns: mass nouns, abstract nouns, nouns in adverbial prepositional phrases
Quiz:
Which sentence correctly follows the rules for using articles with proper nouns?
I want to visit the Paris next summer.
She works at Microsoft in the Seattle.
We sailed across Pacific Ocean last year.
Mount Everest is in Nepal.
Match each category to the example that demonstrates correct use of the zero article.
Which sentence uses zero article incorrectly?
Milk is rich in calcium and vitamins.
Children need care and attention.
Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world.
She adopted dog from the shelter.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Complete each sentence using either the definite article (the) or zero article (Ø).
dinner that followed the award ceremony was very elegant.
Sarah is studying
biology and
chemistry this semester.
They discussed
Russian language in detail.
We usually play
chess after dinner.
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