How to use the "Zero"/"No" article.

"ZERO/"NO" ARTICLE

USE NO ARTICLE

1. When you introduce a plural, uncontable noun for the first time.

Examples:

First time: I bought Ø furniture yesterday.

Then: The furniture is white.

2. For general statements (talking in a general way).

Example:

Furniture is expensive.

3. Other uses:

-Mountains: I climbed Ø Mont Fuji.

-Compass (adj.): It's in Ø Southern Spain.

-Most proper nouns: I visited Ø Tokyo in Ø Japan.

Use with: Plural nouns/Uncontable nouns.

Do not use with: singular nouns.

Example:

I bought chair (x)

RULE

USE IN A SENTENCE

-Ø Dogs have Ø tails.

-Ø Small dogs have Ø small tails.

GENERAL RULE

Does your audience have an awareness of the noun?

NO

What is the noun type?

Singular

Plural

Uncontable

YES

What is the noun type?

Uncontable

Singular

Plural

THE

A/AN

NO ARTICLE