I"m going to 000 university

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Mkyol  #458085  Sat, 29 Dec 07 06:36 AM

I don't think there's the article 'a' before 000 right?

University is a countable noun, so why no article?

Also, without 000 I think the article can be used (what's the difference if it's not used?), like

"I'm going to a university".

Why is that?

I have some suspicions in the matter, but I would still like someone to clarify it for me.


 

  
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Clive  #458303  Sat, 29 Dec 07 10:39 PM

Hi,

I don't think there's the article 'a' before 000 right?

University is a countable noun, so why no article? When we say 'I'm going to York University', 'York University' is a proper name (and thus we normally use a capital 'U'). That's why there is no article. If you say 'I'm going to a York university'', it sounds like you are going to a university that is located in the city of York, and also that there is more than one university in York.

Also, without 000 I think the article can be used Yes, because it is just a common/countable noun

(what's the difference if it's not used?), When you say 'I'm going to university', it's like saying  'I'm going to school'. 'To university' and 'to school' are idiomatic phrases that do not refer to any specific university or school.  On the other hand 'to a university' refers to a specific univeristy.

like  "I'm going to a university".

Think about it this way. If you say to me, 'I'm going to univerity', I might respond 'That sounds interesting.'

But if you say to me, 'I'm going to a university', I 'd probably ask 'Which one?' 

Best wishes, Clive

  
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Mkyol  #458375  Sun, 30 Dec 07 06:18 AM

Thanks Clive!

  
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