Omission of Article: When To Not Use

Let us now understand cases wherein we do not use the definite article 'the'. Although no article is used before proper, material, or abstract nouns. But the is used before nouns that are used in a specific situation. For example, Education is important for progress. The education that I received in my childhood is helping me today.

1. The definite article "the" is not used before the names of languages, arts, and science subjects.

For Example:

1. French is a beautiful language.
2. Sculpture is an art mastered by few.
3. Atul has a Ph.D. in Physics.

The definite article is not used before places of assembly such as school, market, hospital, or church when these are visited for their primary purpose. But when these places are visited for any other purpose, they are used.

Example: My teacher is in the hospital. I went to the hospital to look up my teacher.

Here, the is used before 'hospital' since the speaker is visiting the place for a purpose other than the primary purpose.

2. The definite article 'the' is not used before the names of meals when they are used as part of the daily routine.

Example: We did not have dinner today.
But when the name of a meal refers to a particular meal, a social function, or food, the is used before it.

For example:
I couldn't attend the lunch yesterday.

3. The definite article "the" is not used when two or more adjectives qualify the same noun.

Example: He is a handsome and intelligent boy.
Here handsome and intelligent are referring to the same noun, hence "The" is omitted.

4. The definite article "the" is not used before names of lakes.

For Example: Dal Lake

5. The definite article "the" is not used before names of single mountain peaks.

FOR EXAMPLE Mount Fujiyama

The definite article 'the' is not used before names of countries/islands with a singular name. Examples: India, Sri Lanka

Read More: What are Determiners in English Grammar? Definition, and Examples