Questions tagged [zero-article]
For questions about noun phrases that contain no articles, definite or indefinite.
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questions with no upvoted or accepted answers
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Would you use "the" in "(the) division of opinions"?
The division of opinions among political parties is good for democracy in new nations.
Division of opinions among political parties is good for democracy in new nations.
I don't know if "the&...
user167211
2
votes
2
answers
82
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"If you own" or "If you own a" when talking about a product in an ad
Let's say there is a game console called Bumby that can be used to play every single game available.
"If you own Bumby, you won't need another console."
"If you own a Bumby, you won't need ...
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2
votes
2
answers
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Definite article vs. no article in front of plant names used generically
There's a rule that when we use a noun generically, we either put the definite article in front of it or use the plural form:
The tiger is in danger of becoming extinct.
Tigers are in danger ...
- 1,934
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votes
3
answers
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“A special interest” vs. “special interests”
I’m writing a short paragraph about myself. I find it hard to determine what article I should use in this following sentence:
I have a special interest in learning languages, computer programming, ...
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0
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When do you say skin and when the skin?
According to my American friend, "you can have glowing skin" but "cream makes the skin softer" and "smth penetrates into the skin".
Is there some rule I can use to ...
1
vote
2
answers
187
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Definite article vs zero article
I have problems with definite and zero articles in the following sentences:
"I met a man you were talking about over THE telephone yesterday."
"The wounded were examined by THE doctor ...
- 167
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vote
0
answers
34
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Article before "possible WHO pre-qualification of the vaccine"
I am having a bit of hard time pondering over why there is not an article before "Possible who pre-qualification of the vaccine" in the following sentence:
We are in close contact with ...
- 167
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vote
1
answer
43
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"Letter 'y'," "a letter 'y'" or "the letter 'y'" in context
Can you please tell which one is correct: letter "y," a letter "y," or the letter "y" in the context below?
If you agree with the statements, just put letter "y&...
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vote
1
answer
280
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Do I use definite/indefinite articles properly in this example?
I have so many problems to find the proper usage of defnite vs indefinite articles. Could you please see the example below and tell me if I made a mistake, and what is the proper general rule/ why the ...
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vote
1
answer
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You know how to turn on (the) printer(s)!
You know how to turn on (the) printer(s)!
A child has turned on a computer and you are making a mark. It is the printer, but you are not limiting your meaning to this occasion and you mean printers ...
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0
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Why does the phrase "a letter from employer" not require an article before "employer"?
Could somebody please explain why the phrase "a letter from employer" uses a zero article before the word "employer"? I understand that an indefinite article may be used here but ...
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0
answers
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Singular noun with no article as generic noun
According to the grammar book I'm reading, the sentence
The telephone rules my life.
is not about a particular telephone, but the general concept. I was wondering what happens if we omit the article ...
- 269
0
votes
1
answer
115
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Can I omit the article "the" in "A specific principle for the material supply"?
Can I omit the article here? If yes, why? If no, why? Some translation software suggests me to.
A specific principle for the material supply of small batch manufacturing
areas
I think I can't omit ...
- 150
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0
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158
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Using the definite article before the first noun in the phrase [noun] + of + [noun]
I asked this question stating whether we should use the definite article before the noun "manipulation" in the phrase "manipulation of formal symbols" or not, and I was told that ...
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The + system/machine
From Wikipedia:
The internal combustion engine is perhaps the most common example of a heat engine, in which...
The internal combustion engine = all (general) internal combustion engines. Systems/...
- 21
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0
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47
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school or the school?
Is the definite article necessary in both the following sentences?
a. I forgot to bring the book to the school today.
b. His home is only two blocks away from the school.
- 5,894
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0
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59
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Use of articles in certain situations
I read that with certain places, "the" or the zero article can be used, but all depend on context. For example:
I'm in hospital. (mainly indicates that you had a health problem, so
you're ...
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0
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Is the definite article necessary before "treatment" in these sentences?
Can I use the definite article before the word "treatment" in a generic sense? If not, what's the difference in the meaning of these sentences?
Several therapeutic agents have been ...
- 13
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0
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Democratic values. Does it require the definite article?
I've read in Practical English Grammar that you don't usually put the definite article in front of so-called "half-general expressions". Is "Democratic values" in that category? Or does it require the ...
- 701
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0
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zero article in 'at time of crisis' and 'led to disaster'
A paragraph in a Reuters article:
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter that “human error at time of crisis caused by U.S. adventurism led to disaster,” citing an initial ...
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Usage of the and its omission
Are these sentences without the grammatical? Should I omit it or retain it?
I love the people who love me.
The People who love animals are very kind hearted.
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Definite article alongside "use"
I've got these two examples:
However, use of these drugs is discouraged by pregnant women or women trying to conceive and should be thoroughly discussed with your health care provider and ...
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0
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Why is the definite article "the" used in this sentence?
Explain how the addition and removal of energy can cause a phase change.
Is it still correct or does it still mean the same if the definite article "the" is removed and zero article is used instead ...
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Which is correct in this case? "the document" or "a document"
a document
"I was writing a document this morning which I need to submit to my
boss by the end of this week."
the document
"I was writing the document this morning which I need to submit to ...
user59365
0
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answers
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Articles for the words "camp" & "pub"
1) I've just read this article http://masteringarticles.com/object-activity-nouns/ and it says that "pub" is not a common activity noun, so when we say I want to go to the pub the word should be ...
- 707
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leap year or a leap year
The year with an extra day is called leap year.
This sentence is from an article about "Calendar".
I want to know why the article is dropped before leap year. In my opinion, the article ...
- 2,729
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75
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The vs zero article
I have to work during church time so I watch ur service on Facebook.
This was a facebook comment from someone to a pastor video.
Why does he say church time not the church time ? ... because the ...
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1
answer
102
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Definite article or not in "after (the) deformation"?
Is the word the, that sometimes is put after the word after, optional?
For example, what sentence is more appropriate? (A) or (B)?
(A) After deformation, a point in the plane takes other position.
...
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votes
1
answer
387
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Is it necessary to repeat the determiner "the" in the following case?
which is correct as a title: "The river system and the water supply" or "the river system and water supply"? And would you remove all determiners and leave it like this: "River system and water supply"...
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-1
votes
1
answer
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Regarless of income and despite infirmity
"He remains a great leader despite infirmity.
"The allowance is paid regardless of income"
Why have we not used "an income" and "an infirmity" with "regardless&...
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