no 'the' and 'a' (the concept of existence)

[Saneta]

Please explain me when I shouldn't write ''the'' and ''a'' before nouns?
For example:
1. the concept of existence - why there is no ''the'' or ''a'' before word: existence?
2. to break off relationship with sb - why there is no ''the'' or ''a'' before word: relationship?
Thanks a lot!

[Alan]

Hi Saneta,

You might care to read several pieces I've written on the articles:

http://www.english-test.net/lessons/57/index.html

+ 2,3 and 4

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Saneta]

Dear Alan,
After reading your articles, can I consider the words :''relationship'' and ''existence'' as abstract nouns?

You didn't write about putting the articles (the, an, a) before an adjective + a noun, for example:
a big table, an attractive girl, the fast reply. Have I written ok these examples? So I can use articles also in this structure: an article + an adjective + a noun??

Thanks a lot!!!!

[Alan]

Hi Saneta,

Yes both 'relationship' and 'existence' on their own are abstract nouns. When you add an adjective to a noun, it then attracts an article and so we can say 'a hard existence' 'a difficult relationship'.

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

[Saneta]

So when I write an adjective before abstract noun I must always add an article???