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Hotmale Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Safari

Could, you, please tell me whether I need an article "a" in this sentence?

"I've just returned from safari".

There is an expression: "to go on safari", therefore I'm not sure if in my sentence I should have the article.

Thank you
  

Top answer

It's fine without an article; I think that is the usual form. You can't very well return from safariing, can you? You could use an article if you want to, though.

— Enoon

  • It's fine without an article; I think that is the usual form.
  • You can't very well return from safariing, can you?
  • You could use an article if you want to, though.
  • Wife: "Why are your clothes ripped and dirty?
  • " You: "No.
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12 Answers
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It's fine without an article; I think that is the usual form. You can't very well return from safariing, can you?

You could use an article if you want to, though.

Wife: "Why are your clothes ripped and dirty? Have you been wrestling with that hyena again?"
You: "No. I've just returned from a safari."
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The sentence just sounds awkward. Consider the differences:

I've just returned from Safari. You've just returned from a place called Safari (proper noun).
I've just returned from a safari. You've just returned from a jo
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Aspara GusThe sentence just sounds awkward. Consider the differences:I've just returned from Safari. You've just returned from a place called Safari (proper noun).I've just returned from a safari. You've just returned from a journey (common noun).
Not really. The issue has nothing to do with common nouns vs. proper nouns. "Safari" is a special case, like the A
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enoonNot really. The issue has nothing to do with common nouns vs. proper nouns. "Safari" is a special case, like the Australian "walkabout". You return from walkabout, not a walkabout, and you can do the same from safari.
If someone were to tell me I've just returned from safari I would immediately assume that safari was a proper noun. A safari
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HotmaleI've just returned from safari
I have to confess my ignorance about the use of "safari", but it just sounds wrong to me without "a" in this sentence -- even though I readily accept "go on safari" without "a". I think the preposition "on" sanctions the removal of the article.

If I'm speaking of my work schedule, I say

I go on break.
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OK, how about "sabbatical"? We go on sabbatical. I think we return from sabbatical. Have we found a hidden US/UK difference?
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enoonI think we return from sabbatical. Have we found a hidden US/UK difference?
More likely personal preferences, I'd say. I can't speak for the British on this one.

Here again, I prefer to return from a sabbatical (or from a vacation) though dropping the article also seems possible.

CJ
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CalifJim enoonI think we return from sabbatical. Have we found a hidden US/UK difference?More likely personal preferences, I'd say. I can't speak for the British on this one.Here again, I prefer to return from a sabbatical (or from a vacation) though dropping the article also seems possible.CJ
Yeah, you have me thinking. I am back from vacation, and I've alway
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CalifJimMore likely personal preferences, I'd say. I can't speak for the British on this one.
I agree that it's more likely personal preference. I am a speaker of BrE, but the thoughts below are personal; I can't claim they are true of all speakers of BrE,

1a. I have just come back from holiday - I am returning to work after my x weeks' holiday
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