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English Grammar›Ch 6: Articles & Determiners›Omission of Articles (Zero Article)
Learn when to avoid using A, An, or The in competitive exams.
No article is used before nouns like school, hospital, or church when used for their primary purpose. Articles are also omitted for abstract and material nouns in a general sense, proper nouns, and before 'by' + mode of transport.
Quick Revision Hooks
| Category | Omit Article (General) | Use Article (Specific) |
|---|---|---|
| Institutions | Go to school (to study) | Go to the school (to meet) |
| Transport | By bus / By train | On the bus / In a car |
| Material | Gold is expensive | The gold of this ring |
| Abstract | Honesty is the best policy | The honesty of this boy |
School
(Primary Purpose)
Primary Purpose
Children go to school.
Bus
(Mode of Travel)
Mode of Travel
I travel by bus.
Gold
(Material Noun)
Material Noun
Gold is yellow.
Honesty
(Abstract Noun)
Abstract Noun
Honesty pays off.
The gold is a precious metal.Gold is a precious metal.
Material nouns used in a general sense don't take 'The'.
He goes to the school to study.He goes to school to study.
Study is the primary purpose of school, so no article.
I am going by a car.I am going by car.
'By' + vehicle name always takes no article.
Q1.Choose the correct sentence:
Q2.Spot the error: The honesty (A) / is the (B) / best policy (C) / No error (D).