The vs zero article

Question

I was at _____ train station when you called me.
Are you going to ____ beach this afternoon?

http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-exercise-definite-or-zero-article.php
I saw the above excercise on the vs zero article. I got all right but didn't understand the rule for using "the" and not the "zero article".
Thanks

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

Jigneshbharatididn't understand the rule

There is no rule. You go to the beach, but you go to school, for example. You'll just have to learn the correct expressions.

CB

CalifJim · Answer

Jigneshbharatididn't understand the rule for using "the" and not the "zero article".

Given a choice between 'the' and the zero article, always use 'the' before a singular countable common noun.

Both 'train station' and 'beach' are singular countable common nouns.

Memorize the handful of exceptions that can be used idiomatically with the zero article. Some that come to mind immediately:

school, church, college, work, jail, prison
British only: hospital, university

CJ

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