[General] He gave assistance to my friend.

[arjitsharma]

I would like to know why no article is written before assistance in the following:
He gave assistance to my friend.
A native said and wrote the above sentence.

 

[emsr2d2]

"Assistance" is generally uncountable.

To give assistance [to] = to help = to assist

 

[Tdol]

If you used the article, it would refer to specific help:

She gave me all the assistance I needed to complete the task.

 

[arjitsharma]

Although many would argue that the economy is the most important factor in nation building, I think education has a far greater impact.
I don't understand why an article is not added before "nation building"?

 

[StoppingBy]

Not a teacher

Although many would argue that the economy is the most important factor in nation building, I think education has a far greater impact. I don't understand why an article is not added before "nation building"?

"Nation building" is an activity, so no article would be placed before it.