Sometimes we use a noun to talk about a whole group of people, places, things or animals. When we do, this is called a generic noun. A generic noun refers to something in general.
Phrases with articles and generic nouns can be made in three ways.
| Article | Generic Noun | Sentence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| no article + plural or noncount nouns | - | dolphins | Dolphins are extremely clever animals. |
| - | development | Often, development comes at the expense of preservation. | |
| a/an + singular count nouns | an | octopus | An octopus can kill a human in just a few minutes. |
| a | house | A house can be a lot of work to maintain. | |
| the + singular count nouns | the | raccoon | The raccoon has a distinct black and white tail. |
| the | airplane | Travelling has been greatly impacted by the airplane. |
Often when talking about things in general, you can choose which of the three types of sentences you want to use. Usually, 'the' is only used in more formal or technical settings.
| no article | Robins lay blue eggs. |
| a/an | A robin lays blue eggs. |
| the | The robin lays blue eggs. |
In the example above, the first sentence is the most common and natural-sounding sentence. This is the best structure to use when talking generally about animals or things we like or dislike.
Sharks have an incredible sense of smell.
Lions are fierce hunters.
Ants exist on every continent except Antarctica.
I don't like pizza.
I enjoy hiking and snorkelling.
I love horses.
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