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

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):

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