The zero article means that no article is used. It is the normal choice with plural and uncountable nouns in general, with most proper names and with fixed expressions. Knowing the common zero-article groups saves you from adding “the” where it does not belong.
Form
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| proper names, most countries, cities | Poland, Warsaw, Mount Everest |
| meals, languages, subjects, sports | breakfast, English, history, tennis |
| institutions: school, hospital, church (purpose) | He is in hospital. She goes to school. |
| transport with by | by bus, by train, on foot |
When to use it
- Names: Anna, London, Italy, Lake Garda, Mount Everest.
- Meals, languages and subjects: lunch, Spanish, physics.
- Sports and games: basketball, chess.
- Institutions and their purpose: go to school, be in prison, go to church.
- Transport and times: by car, at night, in spring, on Monday.
Examples
- I speak English and German.
- We have dinner at seven.
- She is in hospital.
- He goes to work by bus.
- Life is beautiful.
- They play football on Sundays.
Common mistakes
- “The” before meals: after the lunch → after lunch.
- “The” before most countries: the Poland → Poland.
- “The” before languages: I study the English → I study English.