Question

............. watch that you want is............ limited edition. (Use the correct articles.)

• A. A,a
• B. The,the
• C. A,the
• D. The,a

Answer 1

Answer:

D. The,a

Article Usage: Definite ('The') and Indefinite ('A')

This explanation focuses on the correct usage of the definite article 'The' and the indefinite article 'A', particularly in contexts involving limited editions and specific items.

When to use 'The' (Definite Article):

• Specificity: 'The' is used when referring to something specific that has already been mentioned, is unique, or is understood by both the speaker/writer and listener/reader.
• Unique Items: It is used for items that are one of a kind, such as 'the sun', 'the moon', 'the Earth'.
• Limited Editions: When referring to a specific limited edition of a product (like a watch, book, or artwork), 'the' is used because it points to that particular, unique version. For example, 'He bought the limited edition watch.'
• Previous Mention: If a particular item has been previously introduced, subsequent references to it will use 'the'.

When to use 'A' (Indefinite Article):

• Non-specific Items: 'A' (or 'An' before a vowel sound) is used when referring to any one item from a group or category, not a specific one.
• Introduction of a Noun: It is used when a noun is mentioned for the first time and is not specific. For example, 'She saw a dog.' (any dog, not a particular one).
• Countable Nouns: 'A' is used with singular, countable nouns.
• Limited Edition Context: When introducing the concept of a limited edition as a general type, 'a' might be used, but when referring to a *specific* limited edition, 'the' is preferred. For instance, 'This is a limited edition watch.' implies it belongs to that category. However, if the context implies a particular, known limited edition, 'the' would be used.

Exam Focus:

• Questions often test the ability to distinguish between general and specific references.
• Pay attention to context clues that indicate whether the noun is unique, previously mentioned, or part of a specific set (requiring 'the'), or if it's a general, non-specific instance (requiring 'a' or 'an').
• In the context of 'limited edition', the usage hinges on whether a *specific* limited edition is being discussed ('the') or if it's being introduced as a type or general instance ('a').