Need explanations on a few doubts

[monicaramesh2006]

Hi ,
1)I have always wondered as to why 'a bath' is used in the sentence 'The child/he/she is taking a bath' when it can actually be used as 'The child/he/she is taking bath'.In simple words why do we have to use the article?
2)Why do we leave out articles while referring to the nationality of someone (a person)?
ex:He is French,he is Italian but why do we say he/she/I am an Indian?

-Monica

[The French]

Hello, Monica,

I am not a teacher, but I do not understand why you can't say 'I am Indian'.

I learnt that the infinite article was not used with the names of countries aside from the USA (composite name of country).

About your other quote, I think the right sentence is 'I am taking a bath' without article is maybe used in speaking English but for me it seems to me informal to avoid the use of the indefinite article. It is like 'I have a beer'.

Do not forget I am just a learner. (Sorry for my mistakes).

The Frenchie.

[bhaisahab]

Hi ,
1)I have always wondered as to why 'a bath' is used in the sentence 'The child/he/she is taking a bath' when it can actually be used as 'The child/he/she is taking bath'.In simple words why do we have to use the article?
2)Why do we leave out articles while referring to the nationality of someone (a person)?
ex:He is French,he is Italian but why do we say he/she/I am an Indian?

-Monica

If you are asked your nationality you can quite properly reply "I am Indian".

[yourek]

As for 'a bath' you are quite right. 'Take a bath' is easier to pronounce and this is the reason we say it.