The Zero Article

Not every noun needs ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’.
There are also times when you can drop ‘a’, ‘an’ and ‘the’

1. Uses of the zero article

  1. When talking generally about uncountable nouns
  2. Pronouns usually don’t need ‘a’ or ‘the’
  3. When talking about some places or transport, we can drop ‘a’ or ‘the’ (usually places or transport that is important in everyday life)
  4. When exclaiming “What + uncountable noun!”
1. Uncountable nouns2. Pronouns3. Places or transport4. What + uncountable noun!
I love cheese.He is travelling in China.He’s at school.What weather!
He hates wine, but loves beer.She is wearing Prada.I’m going home.What beauty!
She likes cinema.I’m going to Dave’s.She’s at church.What stupidity!
Air in Canada is generally clean, but not near mines.They love KFC.The people made him leave town.What madness is this?!
Pierce needs love.Take the bus to Green Street.We’re at work.What fun!

2. Exercises

Make zero article sentences for each of the four groups.Not every noun needs ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’.
There are also times when you can drop ‘a’, ‘an’ and ‘the’