Article II

     In the previous post about articles part 1, we're introduced to the three articles ('A', 'An' and 'The') and explained with their usages. In this post, article part 2 we shall look into when the articles mentioned are not used. The unused article will be displayed as '-' or dash in the sentence. 

     There are fives uses of using a dash when the article is not used. To understand it more clearly, the sentences below will show examples of how to use the dash.

1. Before a proper noun

-> Singapore has the largest port in Asia.

~ - Singapore has the largest port in - Asia

2. Before an abstract noun

-> Honesty is the best policy.

~ - Honesty is the best policy.

3. Before the names of materials, sports and meals

-> Iron is a useful metal.

~ - Iron is a useful metal

-> James loves to play badminton. 

-> Mary had breakfast at the cafe this morning. 

4. In phrases which consist of a preposition followed by its object

-> This is the greatest show on earth.

~ This is the greatest show on - earth.

-> You can travel by air, by sea or by rail.

~ You can travel by - air, by - sea or by - rail.

5. In phrases which consist of a transitive verb followed by its object

-> The ship will set sail tomorrow.

~ The ship will set - sail tomorrow.

-> Do not give ear to such a person.

~ Do not give - ear to such a person.