No Article (∅) (A1 Grammar)

Sometimes we use no article at all. We say it in general, with plural things and with uncountable things.

Quick tip: In general (plurals, uncountables) → no article. One specific one → the. One new single thing → a/an.

General plurals: no article

For plural things in general, use no article — not 'the', not 'a'.

• Dogs are friendly.
• I like apples.
• Children love games.
• Cars are expensive.

Uncountable things: no article

For things you can't count (water, music, time), use no article when you mean it in general.

• I love music.
• Water is good for you.
• We need time.
• She drinks coffee every day.

No article vs the

In general = no article. One specific one we both know = the.

• I like coffee. (in general)
• The coffee here is great. (this specific coffee)
• Dogs are friendly. (all dogs)
• The dog next door is loud. (this one dog)

Common mistakes

• Not "The dogs are friendly. (dogs in general)" — say "Dogs are friendly.". General plurals take no article.
• Not "I like the music." — say "I like music.". Uncountable + general = no article.
• Not "Life is a hard." — say "Life is hard.". 'Life' in general takes no article (and 'hard' is an adjective).

Practise it

Talking in general about plural or uncountable things? Use no article: 'Dogs are friendly', 'I love music'.