grammar - Are there specific rules to build expressions with or without articles?


In English, there are lots of expressions built using articles like:



  • at the station

  • to the cinema

  • play the piano

  • have breakfast (no article)

  • take a bath

  • take a shower


Are there specific rules or tips to help determine whether or not to use an article before the noun? Or do we always need to depend on a dictionary?



Answer



Some article use is idiomatic and has to be learned case-by-case. For example, we say:



  • I'm learning to play the piano. (definite article)

  • I had an egg for breakfast. (zero article)


In German conversely it's:



  • Ich lerne Klavier spielen. (zero article)

  • Ich aß ein Ei zum Frühstück. (zum = zu dem: dem = definite article)


There are nonetheless some useful guidelines that apply in most cases where a noun is used and hence a decision is to be made. Basically, this presupposes that you are able to determine if the noun is a count or uncount noun and whether or not you are referring to a specific (or known) instance of that noun. You will then be able to correctly choose the correct article in noun phrases such as in the following sentences such:



  • There was an explosion at the station yesterday.

  • There was an explosion at a station in the city center yesterday.


or



  • Does he still go to school?

  • Did his father go to the school yesterday.

  • Is there a school near here?


A more detailed discussion would take up too much space, but if you are in doubt you are recommended to type the 3 basic possibilties for your phrase (play piano, play the piano, play a piano) into a search engine and analyse the results to see which choice best matches your own intended meaning.


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