No (Zero) Article
In this lesson of learning English as a second language, we shall learn:
- Where not to use any Article.
In Unit 44, we learnt how to use Indefinite Articles (A, An) and in Unit 45, we learnt how to use Definite Article (THE). I hope that now you have a clear understanding of how to use The Articles. In today's lesson, we will look at those places where we can't use any Article at all.
We Can't Use Any Article:
- Before the names of substances and abstract nouns (uncountable nouns) used in general sense.
Sugar is bad for teeth
Gold is a precious metal
Honesty is the best policy
But when you talk about any substance or an uncountable noun in particular. You will use definite article (The).
For Example:
The gold in this watch is not of good quality.
The honesty of his brother must not be doubted.
-
Before Plural nouns used in general sense
For Example:
Children like ice-creams
Computers are now used everywhere
But if you talk about Particular plural nouns you will have to use “The” Before them
For Example:
Where are the children? (=our children)
Where are the students? (= my students)
Where are the servants? (= my servants)
-
Before the Names of People
For Example:
The Arsalan (X)
The Rashid (X)
The Alice (X)
-
Before the Names of Continents
For Example:
The Asia (X)
The Europe (X)
The Africa (X)
-
Before the Names of Countries and Cities
For Example:
The Pakistan
The India
The Sydney
The Karachi
-
Before the Names of Individual Mountains
For Example:
The K2 (X)
The Mount Everest (X)
The Mount Kilimanjaro (X)
-
Before the Names of Individual Islands and Lakes
For Example:
The Navarino (X) is in Chile
The Keenjhar lake (X) or
Karli Lake (X) is in Pakistan
-
Before names of meals used in general sense
For Example:
When do you take breakfast?
What time do you take lunch?
But if you talk about a specific meal then you will use “The” before it
For Example:
The lunch I had yesterday was very delicious.
The dinner I had at your house last week was very spicy.
-
Before Languages
For Example:
The English (X)
The Urdu (X)
The Punjabi (X)
-
Before the names of Relations
For Example:
The father (X)
The mother (X)
The aunt (X)
The uncle (X)
-
Before the means of Transport
For Example:
We go to school by bus.
She went to Lahore by train.
-
Before school, college, church, bed, table, hospital, market ,prison ,when you visit or use these places or objects for their primary purpose.
For Example:
I learnt English at school
She goes to church every Sunday.
I sleep on bed
But “The” will be used with these words when we talk particularly of them rather than normal activity people go there for
For Example:
The school is very far from my house. (not talking about normal activity)
I met Ali at the church. (not talking about normal activity)
The bed you bought is very expensive. (not talking about normal activity)
