Use of Articles (a/an/the, zero article) MCQ — 15 Practice Questions with Answers

Explanation

Proper names of individual places such as Mount Abu generally take zero article. The cue in option D is the proper place name Mount Abu; the sentence should be Mount Abu is a popular hill station in Rajasthan. The other options correctly use the with a named range, an ocean, and a river. Therefore, only option D is incorrect.

Explanation

English can use 'the' before certain adjectives to refer to a whole class of people. The cue is the phrase 'the poor', which means poor people collectively and therefore takes a plural verb. Thus the assertion is true, the reason is true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion; only option D fits.

Explanation

Superlative adjectives usually take the, and an ordinal takes a when it means one more or another. The cues are best in a comparison with all typists in the office and second chance meaning another opportunity. Thus the required forms are the best typist and a second chance. Therefore, only option D correctly applies both rules.

Explanation

Article choice depends on sound, not spelling. The cue is 'European': although it begins with the written vowel 'e', it is pronounced with the initial consonant sound /j/. Therefore the incorrect sentence is 'He is an European officer'; the correct form is 'a European officer'. The other options correctly use 'the sun', 'the east', 'a one-rupee coin', and 'the elderly'.

Explanation

Use a or an according to pronunciation, not spelling. Honest begins with a vowel sound because h is silent, so it takes an. One-room begins with the consonant sound /w/, so it takes a. Therefore, only an honest clerk and a one-room office is correct.