The vs Zero Article Exercises (With Answers)

The vs Zero Article Exercises with Answers

Looking for zero article exercises with answers?
This page focuses specifically on the difference between the and no article (zero article).

These exercises will help you understand:

  • When to use the
  • When to use no article
  • Common expressions with zero article
  • General vs specific meaning

The vs Zero Article Exercises with Answers

Before doing the exercises, you may want to read the lesson on articles.

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice

Definite article (the) or zero article (X)

  1. Did you get married after leaving university ?
  2. I was at train station when you called me.
  3. I left work at six o'clock pm.
  4. They are opening new shops here.
  5. She was returning from school when I met her.
  6. She has a strong alibi. She was at cinema at the moment the crime was committed.
  7. Are you going to beach this afternoon?
  8. He went to prison for domestic violence.
  9. The kids are sitting at table eating cereals.
  10. Are you at home?

More Exercise on The and Zero Articles in English

Exercise 2 – Error Correction (The vs Zero Article)

Each sentence contains a mistake. Correct it.

  1. She goes to the school every day.
  2. I love the music. (general meaning)
  3. He is at the home right now.
  4. Children need the love and support.
  5. We had the dinner at 8 p.m.
  6. He went to the prison for robbery.
  7. I like the dogs. (general meaning)
  8. She is in the bed.
  9. Education is the important for success.
  10. We usually have the breakfast at 7.
  11. I visited museum near my house.
  12. The water is essential for life. (general meaning)
  13. She plays piano very well.
  14. He is at the work.
  15. The life is beautiful.
1. She goes to school every day.
2. I love music.
3. He is at home right now.
4. Children need love and support.
5. We had dinner at 8 p.m.
6. He went to prison for robbery.
7. I like dogs.
8. She is in bed.
9. Education is important for success.
10. We usually have breakfast at 7.
11. I visited the museum near my house.
12. Water is essential for life.
13. She plays the piano very well.
14. He is at work.
15. Life is beautiful.

Exercise – Sentence Transformation (The vs Zero Article)

Rewrite each sentence according to the instructions. Pay attention to the use of the and zero article (Ø).
Example: Cats are beautiful → The cats in this town are beautiful.

  1. Dogs are loyal animals.
    (The dogs in your neighborhood).
  2. She goes to school every day.
    (She is going to the school building to meet the principal.)
  3. Water is essential for life.
  4. Children need love and support.
    (The children in this hospital).
  5. I had dinner at 8 p.m.
    (The dinner we prepared yesterday).
  6. Music helps people relax.
    (The music you are playing).
  7. He is in prison.
    (The prison near our town).
1. The dogs in my neighborhood are loyal animals.
2. She is going to the school to meet the principal.
3. The water in this bottle is essential for life.
4. The children in this hospital need love and support.
5. The dinner we prepared yesterday was at 8 p.m.
(Alternative: I enjoyed the dinner we prepared yesterday at 8 p.m.)
6. The music you are playing helps people relax.
7. He is in the prison near our town.

Quick Reminder: The vs Zero Article

Recap banner for a review of The vs Zero Article

1. Use The when:

  • The noun is specific
  • It is known to the speaker and listener
  • It has been mentioned before
  • It is unique (the sun, the moon)

Example:

  • I saw a dog. The dog was barking.

2. Use Zero Article (Ø) when:

  • Speaking generally (plural nouns)
  • With uncountable nouns
  • With meals
  • With school, prison, bed, work (general purpose)
  • With most countries

Examples:

  • Children need love.
  • She goes to school.

Download an Extended Version of this Worksheet

📘 Download the Complete Articles Worksheet (PDF)

Need more practice on definite and indefinite articles?

Download our Articles in English Worksheet PDF — a 13-page printable pack with:

  • Clear rule review (a, an, the, zero article)
  • Diagnostic test
  • Pronunciation of “the” practice
  • Mixed exercises (a/an, the, or no article)
  • Dialogue completion + speaking task

Perfect for classroom use, homework, or exam revision.

Get the full worksheet here.

Related material

Tags: Exercises on Determiners
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