English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
Without Articles
I was in ~a haste~ this morning (nonstandard).
I was *in haste* this morning (standard).
While you can be in a hurry, “haste” does not attract an article.
No one knew he could take ~a French leave~ (nonstandard).
No one knew he could take *French leave* (standard).
“French leave” refers to leaving a place, gathering, or job without asking for permission, notifying the host, or saying goodbye.
GAB
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