Question

Choose the correct article : ________ MLA donated one lakh rupees from ________ MLA fund.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

D. An, the

Understanding Articles (A, An, The)

• Articles are determiners that specify whether a noun is specific or unspecific.
• 'A' and 'An' are indefinite articles, used before singular, countable nouns when the noun is mentioned for the first time or is not specific.
• 'The' is the definite article, used before singular or plural, countable or uncountable nouns when the noun is specific, has already been mentioned, or is unique.

Rules for Using 'A' and 'An'

• Use 'a' before words that begin with a consonant sound.
• Use 'an' before words that begin with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).
• Important Note for Competitive Exams: The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the *sound* of the first letter of the word, not just the letter itself. For example, 'an hour' (h is silent, vowel sound) but 'a university' (u sounds like 'yoo', consonant sound).

Applying the Rules to the Sentence

• First Blank: 'MLA'
  • The word 'MLA' starts with the letter 'M', but when pronounced, it begins with a vowel sound (/ɛmˈɛl ˈeɪ/).
  • Therefore, the indefinite article 'An' is used.
• Second Blank: 'MLA fund'
  • Here, 'MLA fund' refers to a specific fund that belongs to a particular MLA (the one previously mentioned).
  • When referring to something specific or unique, or something that has been previously identified, the definite article 'The' is used.

Key Takeaways for Exams

• Pay close attention to the pronunciation of words when deciding between 'a' and 'an'.
• Identify whether the noun is specific or general to choose between 'a'/'an' and 'the'.
• In sentences where a noun is introduced and then referred to again, 'a'/'an' is typically used for the first mention, and 'the' for subsequent mentions.