Zero article

When no article belongs there at all.

∅ + uncountable/plural noun (general) | ∅ + most proper nouns

No article is used before uncountable nouns and plurals in a general sense (without specifying which ones), and before most proper nouns (people's names, most countries and cities).

Examples

  • Life is short.
  • Trucks need regular maintenance.
  • She lives in Poland.

  • The life is short.

    Life is short.

    An uncountable noun used in a general sense takes no article: Life is short.

Common mistakes

  • Adding the before an uncountable noun in a general sense: The life is short → Life is short.
  • Adding the before proper nouns like countries/cities: the Poland → Poland.
Practice