Unit 53: NOUNS WITHOUT THE OR A
Sometimes we do not use the or a/ an/ some/ any at the beginning of a noun phrase; we use nothing at all.
With names
With most names of people, places and times (Unit 48).
Talking generally
We all need water to live. NOT the water
Life is hard. NOT the life
Doctors cure sick people. NOT the doctors
BUT
The water in this bottle is dirty. (Unit 52)
He has had a good life. (Unit 54)
Identifying
With mass nouns:
It's coffee.
and plural nouns:
We are students.
BUT with singular nouns:
I am a student/ It is a cup.
Talking about meals
He has breakfast at six. NOT the breakfast
Why don't you stay for lunch? NOT the lunch
Talking about illnesses
I think I've got flu. NOT the flu
After prepositions
When we are talking about:TRAVELLING
We went by bus. NOT the bus
SOME PLACES
He was in bed. NOT the school
They went to school early. NOT the school
She's in hospital with a broken leg.
Also with church, prison, university
SOME TIMES OF DAY
at night, at midnight, at sunrise
BUT in the morning, in the afternoon
BUT use the if you are saying which.
We went by the 7:45 bus.
She's in the hospital on Yonge Street.
NOTICE: The, or a/ any/ some/ any, or nothing? (Unit 54)
