Zero Article (No Article)
Use no article with plural and uncountable nouns when talking generally, and with most names of people, countries, meals, languages, and abstract ideas.
Level A2
Articles
Summary
- Use no article with plural and uncountable nouns when talking generally, and with most names of people, countries, meals, languages, and abstract ideas.
Structure
(no article) + plural / uncountable / general noun
Examples
- Cats are independent animals.
- She studies history at university.
- We had lunch at noon.
- Honesty is important.
Common mistakes
- • Don't add 'the' for general statements: NOT 'The life is hard' → 'Life is hard.'
- • Don't use articles before most country and language names: NOT 'the English is useful' → 'English is useful.'
More articles
A / An (Indefinite Article)
A1
Use 'a' or 'an' before singular countable nouns when you mention something for the first time or talk about it in a general, non-specific way. Use 'a' before a consonant sound and 'an' before a vowel sound.
The (Definite Article)
A2
Use 'the' when it is clear which specific thing you mean — because it was already mentioned, is unique, or is known from the situation.
Quantifiers and Articles Review: A / An / The / Zero
B1
Choose between a/an (one of many, first mention), the (specific or known), and no article (general plural/uncountable) depending on whether the noun is specific and countable.