Language/French/Grammar/Omission-of-the-article-in-noun-constructions-linked-by-de

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French Grammar – Omission of the article in noun constructions linked by de

The article is frequently omitted before the second noun in noun + noun constructions linked by de, where the second noun functions like an adjective (and is often translated into English as an adjective):

French English
une ambassade de France  a French embassy
une carte de visite  a visiting card
une carte de France  a map of France
un billet de bus  a bus ticket
un arrêt de bus  a bus stop
un tableau d'affichage  a notice board
une question d'argent  a question of money
une affaire de coeur  a matter of the heart
un problème de liquidité  a cash-flow problem
une salle de classe  a classroom
une salle de bains  a bathroom
une agence de voyages  a travel agent/agency
un verre de vin  a glass of wine
une tasse de thé  a cup of tea
une tasse de café  a cup of coffee

But note that when the second noun is modified (by an adjective or a clause, for example) it becomes definite, and a definite article appears:

  • une carte de la France métropolitaine

a map of mainland France

  • Il va être question de l'argent que je t'ai prêté

There'll be a discussion about the money I lent you

  • un arrêt du bus no 25

a stop for the number 25 bus

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