Basic uses of the zero article

We use the zero article before three types of nouns:

1 Plural countable nouns: e.g. beans.

2 Uncountable nouns (always singular): e.g. water.

3 Proper nouns [> 2.13]: e.g. John. The can occur in front of plural countables and (singular) uncountables in normal use to refer to specific items [> 3.20]:

The pens I gave you were free samples

The water we drank last night had a lot of chlorine in it The can even occur in front of names [> 3.20.3]:

The Chicago of the 1920s was a terrifying place.

Compare: Chicago is a well-run city today For a/an + uncountable [> 2.16.3].

Articles are frequently not used in general statements in English where they would be required in other European languages. Examples are given in the sections that follow.

3 Articles

3.26 The class as a whole: zero article + countable/uncountable

A few examples of general statements are [compare > 3.19.1]:

3.26.1 Zero article + plural countable nouns People: Women are fighting for their rights. Places: Museums are closed on Mondays Food: Beans contain a lot of fibre. Occupations: Doctors always support each other. Nationalities: Italians make delicious ice-cream. [> 3.19.2] Animals: Cats do not like cold weather. Insects: Ants are found in all parts of the world. Plants: Trees don't grow in the Antarctic. Products: Watches have become very accurate. These can be modified by adjectives and other phrases: e.g. women all over the world, local museums, broad beans, quartz watches.

3.26.2 Zero article + uncountable nouns (always singular) Food: Refined foods like sugar should be avoided. Drink: Water must be pure if it is to be drunk. Substances: Oil is essential for the manufacture of plastic Collections: Money makes the world go round. Colours: Red is my favourite colour.

Activities (-ing): Smoking is bad for the health.

Other activities: Business has been improving steadily this year

Sports, games: Football is played all over the world.

Abstract: Life is short; art is long.

Politics: Capitalism is a by-product of free enterprise.

Philosophy: Determinism denies the existence of free will.

Languages: English is a world language.

These can be modified by adjectives and other phrases:

e.g. purified water, oil from the North Sea, heavy smoking.

3.27 Unique items: zero article + proper nouns

3.27.1 Zero article + names of people First names: Elizabeth was my mother's name. Surnames: These tools are made by Jackson and Son Full names: Elizabeth Brown works for this company. Initials: J. Somers is the pseudonym of a famous author. Names can be modified by adjectives: young Elizabeth, old Frank Robinson, Frank Robinson Jr (= Junior, AmE), Tiny Tim.

3.27.2 Zero article + titles

Mr, Mrs. Miss, Ms, Dr (full stops may be used optionally after the

abbreviations Mr, Mrs and Dr).

Mr and Mrs are always followed by a surname or first name +

surname (not just a first name!):

Mr and Mrs Jackson are here to see you.

Mr and Mrs cannot normally be used on their own as a form of address. Miss is also followed by a surname (Miss Jackson) but is used as a form of address by schoolchildren (Please Miss!)- It is sometimes heard as a form of address by adults, though this is