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THE ZERO ARTICLE THE ZERO ARTICLE AND GENERIC “THE”
An article is not needed The zero article can be used with plural nouns to talk about a class of things in
with uncountable and general. This can also be done with the definite article, plus a singular noun.
plural nouns used in a
general context. This is
known as the zero article. Uncountable noun. Plural noun. Referring to an invention, not an individual telescope.
Referring to a species of animal, not an individual animal.
The zero article is also used
with some places and
institutions when it is clear
what their purpose is.
She goes there to study, which is the Referring to a type of musical instrument, not an individual instrument.
purpose of schools, so no article is used.
The definite article is
used to talk about
the specific school
where he works.
DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE ARTICLES WITH NAMES
FURTHER EXAMPLES The zero article is
normally used with
the name of a person.
In this case, “the” is
The definite article is used pronounced “thee.”
before a person’s name to
differentiate them from
another person with the
same name.
Names of places often
take the zero article. The indefinite article is
used when the focus is on
a particular name, rather
than the person.
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