Articles: pluralization of general nouns
When a noun is used generally, an article is not needed.
General nouns are used frequently in academic writing. In academic English the singular form is usually replaced with a plural noun with no article. Sometimes the verb also needs to be changed.
Example 1
Language is normally the initial barrier for a refugee trying to integrate in a new country.
Replaced with: Language is normally the initial barrier for refugees trying to integrate in a new country. (Refugee is used generally so no article is needed.)
Example 2
The current work situation of an applicant was taken into account when selecting interviewees for the study.
Replaced with: The current work situations of applicants were taken into account when selecting interviewees for the study.
Example 3
The author argues that a university should be a place where critical thinking skills are taught.
Replaced with: The author argues that universities should be places where critical thinking skills are taught
Example 4
While some argue that a company should be strongly regulated by the state, others hold the view that too much regulation slows economic growth.
Replaced with: While some argue that companies should be strongly regulated by the state, others hold the view that too much regulation slows economic growth.
Sources: Cambridge Online Dictionary; British Council Learn English
2 responses to “Articles: pluralization of general nouns”
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When is an article not needed when using a noun? Greeting : IT Telkom
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The general rule for no article (“zero article”) is for indefinite plurals (“Mice are a menace”) and uncountable nouns (“Cheese is a favourite of mice”) — definite articles are used when specifying a defined referent (“The mice behind the fridge are having a feast each night” and “The cheese left out for the mice was eaten overnight”)
See for example
https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv349.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-marking_in_English
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