[Grammar] forge (an) alliance

[George KKing]

Hello.
Is there an exception according to which it is possible to say "Forge alliance" in stead of "Forge AN alliance"?

 

[emsr2d2]

Re: Omit an article

Welcome to the forum. :hi:

You need to give us a complete sentence in order for us to give you an informed answer.

 

[George KKing]

Re: Omit an article

Welcome to the forum. :hi:

You need to give us a complete sentence in order for us to give you an informed answer.

Well the thing is that this is used as a phrase. It is about a game. Forge alliance - Storm the gates - Greet your kings. Now, I have found on the net some usage of the phrase but I just can't explain it for myself.

 

[emsr2d2]

Re: Omit an article

If I saw that as part of a game, I would assume it had been written by a non-native. I would expect to see either "Forge an alliance" or "Forge alliances".
Used in a standard, full English sentence, it would require the indefinite article.

 

[Rover_KE]

Re: Omit an article

Please note that I have given your thread a better title.

Extract from the Posting Guidelines:

'Thread titles should include all or part of the word/phrase being discussed.'

 

[GoesStation]

Re: Omit an article

Forge alliance works for me as the name of an action in a game. It sounds more dramatic than "create alliance" and its meaning is clear.

 

[Rover_KE]

Re: Omit an article

Agreed, but likewise I would expect to see 'Storm gates'; 'Greet kings'.