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Junkomama · Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 592

I have learned that "school" is used without an article when it means an education system, not a school building.
How about the following exaples?
Do I need "a" in these sentences?

1.You should go to (a) foreign language school such as NOVA to improve your English.
(NOVA is a famous language school in Japan.)

2.She has studied at (an) English school for two years.

Thank you in advance!
Junkomama

myprofe · Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:11 pm Post subject:

Yes, I would use the article in these cases because we are referring to specific schools or types or centers.
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Junkomama · Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 592

Thank you so much for your quick response, myprofe-san!!

Then, in the following sentences, I don't need "a", right?

"There are many people who go to English school."
"Going to language school is a good way to master English."

Regards,
Junkomama

myprofe · Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2006 2:07 am Post subject:

It depends how common the expressions are.

In these two sentences the article is not necessary.

His children go to private school. His children go to public school.

However, in your examples I would be more comfortable with:

There are many people who go to an English school. (a specific type of school)

There are many people who go to English schools. (English schools in general)

Going to a language school is a good way to master English. (a specific type of school)

Going to language schools is a good way to master English. (language schools in general)
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I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!

Junkomama · Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 592

Thank you very much for your answer, myprofe-san!!
I think I got it.

Regards,
Junkomama