- I eat rice every day. (Rice in general, not a specific bowl)
- Dogs are friendly. (Dogs as a whole are friendly)
- Water is essential for life.
- Books educate and inspire.
1. Zero Article with Plural and Uncountable Nouns
We use the zero article with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns when talking about them in a general way.
A. General Statements with Plural Countable Nouns
For example:
- Cars pollute the environment.
- Cats are playful animals.
- Dogs make loyal companions.
- Birds fly in the sky.
- Trees provide oxygen.
- Flowers brighten our surroundings.
- Books expand our minds.
- Movies entertain audiences.
- Games develop skills.
- Sports build teamwork.
B. General Statements with Uncountable Nouns
For example:
- Water is vital for all living things.
- Time heals all wounds.
- Coffee energizes us in the morning.
- Bread is a staple food in many cultures.
- Rice feeds millions around the world.
- Music lifts our spirits.
- Knowledge is power.
- Nature offers endless beauty.
- Fire provides warmth.
- Chocolate delights the senses.
2. Zero Article with Singular Countable Nouns
Although singular countable nouns usually require an article, we use the zero article with:
- Proper Names (People, Places, Institutions):
- Mary is a great singer.
- London is vibrant.
- Apollo launched into space.
- Cambridge University is renowned.
- Shakespeare wrote timeless plays.
- Mozart composed beautiful music.
- Earth is our home.
- Statue of Liberty is iconic.
- Everest challenges climbers.
- Windsor is a royal residence.
- Languages and Academic Subjects:
- English is spoken worldwide.
- History fascinates people.
- Physics explains natural phenomena.
- Art inspires us.
- Literature broadens perspectives.
- Chemistry reveals material properties.
- Biology studies life.
- Economics influences society.
- Law ensures fairness.
- Philosophy questions existence.
- Days, Months, and Holidays:
- Monday begins the week.
- Tuesday is productive.
- Wednesday is midweek.
- Thursday brings hope.
- 5Friday is for celebration.
- Saturday is relaxing.
- Sunday is a day of rest.
- Christmas is festive.
- Hanukkah is celebrated joyfully.
- Halloween is fun and spooky.
3. Other Common Uses of the Zero Article
The zero article is also used in many other contexts:
- Games and Sports:
- Football unites people.
- Chess develops strategy.
- Basketball builds teamwork.
- Tennis sharpens focus.
- Badminton improves agility.
- Wrestling tests strength.
- Swimming promotes fitness.
- Cycling is eco-friendly.
- Weightlifting increases power.
- Darts require precision.
- Meals:
- Breakfast energizes the day.
- Lunch is served at noon.
- Dinner is the main meal.
- Brunch is popular on weekends.
- Soups warm you up.
- Desserts satisfy sweet cravings.
- Salads provide fresh nutrition.
- Curry is flavorful.
- Stews are hearty.
- Snacks curb hunger.
- Routine Places and Transport:
- Home is where the heart is.
- School is for learning.
- Office is where work happens.
- Hospital cares for patients.
- Supermarket stocks essentials.
- Park is for leisure.
- Foot is natural transport.
- Car is common transport.
- Bus offers public transit.
- Train connects cities.
- Newspaper Headlines and Notices:
- Government announces new policy.
- Fire breaks out downtown.
- Economy shows signs of recovery.
- Festival attracts thousands.
- Stock market hits record high.
- Court rules in landmark case.
- City council approves budget.
- Construction starts on new project.
- Local team wins championship.
- Weather forecast predicts rain.
Exercises: Zero Article
Exercise 1 – Choose the correct article
1. ___ Cats are playful.
2. ___ Water is essential.
3. ___ trees in my garden are old.
4. ___ Books expand our minds.
5. I saw ___ elephant at the zoo.
Exercise 2 – Pick the correct sentence
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Exercise 3 – Select the correct article (Ø / the / a-an)
1. ___ Breakfast is at 7.
2. Hurry! ___ bus is leaving.
3. ___ Football unites people.
4. I need ___ ticket, please.
5. ___ Knowledge is power.
Exercise 4 – Choose the correct headline
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Exercise 5 – Complete with Ø / a / the
1. My uncle works at ___ hospital near here.
2. ___ Love makes life better.
3. I need ___ new laptop.
4. ___ Dinner is at eight.
5. Let’s meet in ___ park near your house.