Omission of the articles

Before uncountable nouns

We do not use articles before uncountable and abstract nouns used in a general sense.

• Honey is sweet. (NOT The honey is sweet.)
• Sugar is bad for your teeth.
• Wisdom is better than riches.
• Virtue is its own reward.

Note that uncountable nouns take the article the when used in a particular sense.

• Would you pass the sugar? (= the sugar on the table)

Before plural countable nouns

We do not use articles before plural countable nouns used in a general sense.

• Children usually rush about.
• Computers are useful machines.

Note that plural nouns take the article the when they are used in a particular sense.

• Where are the children? (Which children? Our children)

Before proper nouns

We do not use articles before the names of countries, people, continents, cities, rivers and lakes.

• India is a democratic country. (NOT The India …)
• Paris is the capital of France. (NOT The Paris …)

Before the names of meals

We do not use articles before the names of meals.

• Mother is cooking lunch.
• Dinner is ready.

We use a when there is an adjective before breakfast, lunch, dinner etc. We use the when we are talking about a particular meal.

• I had a late dinner yesterday.
• The lunch we had at the restaurant was very good.

Before languages

We do not use articles before the names of languages.

• Can you speak English? (NOT Can you speak the English?)
• They speak French at home.

Before school, college, university, church, bed, hospital, prison etc.

• His dad is still in hospital.
• We learned English at school.
• He is at university.

The is used before these words when the reference is to the building or object rather than to the normal activity that goes on there.

• I met her at the church. (Here the reference is to the building and not to the activity that is going on there.)
  
• I went to the hospital to see my friend.

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