Not using articles with general nouns

When a noncount noun refers to all of its type or to a concept in general, it is not marked with an article.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: The kindness is a virtue. Revised sentence: Kindness is a virtue. Explanation: The article “The” has been deleted before the noun “kindness.”

The noun represents kindness in general; it does not represent a specific type of kindness.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: In some parts of the world, the rice is preferred to all other grains. Revised sentence: In some parts of the world, rice is preferred to all other grains. Explanation: The article “the” has been deleted before the noun “rice.”

The noun rice represents rice in general, not a specific type or a serving of rice.

In most cases, when you use a count noun to represent a general category, make the noun plural. Do not use unmarked singular count nouns to represent whole categories.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Fountain is an expensive element of landscape design. Revised sentence: Fountains are an expensive element of landscape design. Explanation: The singular phrase “Fountain is” has been replaced by “Fountains aer.”

Fountains is a count noun that represents fountains in general.

In some cases, the is used with a singular noun that refers to a scientific class or category of items (most often animals, musical instruments, and inventions).

Exercise: Using articles 1

Exercise: Using articles 2

Exercise: Using articles 3

Exercise: Articles and types of nouns

mass noun A noun that represents something that cannot be counted; it does not have singular and plural forms. Also called noncount noun.