1.
Alice drives ___ old car.
Correct Answer
B. An
Explanation
The word "old" starts with a vowel sound, so we use "an" before it to ensure smooth pronunciation. This rule applies to all nouns starting with a vowel sound, not just vowels. The indefinite article "an" is used instead of "a" to avoid awkwardness in speech. Therefore, the phrase "an old car" is correct as it maintains the flow and clarity of the sentence.
2.
My father is reading ___ newspaper.
Correct Answer
D. The
Explanation
The use of the definite article "the" before "newspaper" in the sentence "My father is reading ___ newspaper" is appropriate when referring to a specific newspaper that is already known to the speaker and listener. It implies that there is a particular newspaper being read, rather than any newspaper in general. If the intent was to express a non-specific or any newspaper, one would use "a" as in "My father is reading a newspaper." However, the phrasing of your query suggests that the definite article "the" fits best to complete the sentence.
3.
Kenji is studying ___ English.
Correct Answer
C. Zero article
Explanation
the correct choice is "a," the sentence "My father is reading a newspaper" implies that your father is reading any newspaper, without specifying a particular or specific one. The use of the indefinite article "a" indicates that it could be any newspaper, and the sentence doesn't require knowledge of a specific newspaper. So, "a" is used to refer to a non-specific item or thing when there is no need to specify which newspaper your father is reading.
4.
He lives in ___ Alaska.
Correct Answer
D. Zero article
Explanation
"Alaska" is a proper noun and proper nouns typically do not require an article. In the sentence, "He lives in Alaska," the zero article rule is followed. Proper nouns denote specific places, people, or things that are unique, so articles are usually omitted, ensuring the sentence remains clear and grammatically correct.
5.
Did you bring ___ umbrella that you borrowed from me?
Correct Answer
C. The
Explanation
The speaker refers to a specific umbrella that was borrowed, hence "the" is used. This definite article indicates both parties know which umbrella is being talked about. Using "the" specifies the exact item, avoiding any confusion about which umbrella is being referred to in the conversation. This specificity helps in clear and precise communication.
6.
James is ___ boss of the company.
Correct Answer
C. The
Explanation
"The" is used to specify a particular boss, indicating that James holds a unique, specific position. This use of the definite article highlights that James is not just any boss, but the one recognized as such within the company. It clarifies his unique role and identity in that context. Using "the" helps specify and single out the particular person being referred to.
7.
What ___ language do you speak best?
Correct Answer
C. Zero article
Explanation
The phrase "zero article" refers to the absence of any article before "language." The question asks about a language in general, not a specific one. Thus, no article is needed, making the question open to any language spoken by the person. This usage maintains the sentence’s generality and clarity. It allows for a broader and non-specific reference to any language.
8.
There's ___ apartment building on the corner.
Correct Answer
B. An
Explanation
The word "apartment" starts with a vowel sound, thus "an" is used before it for smoother pronunciation. The indefinite article "an" precedes nouns starting with vowel sounds, maintaining linguistic flow and avoiding awkwardness. Hence, "an apartment building" is the correct and fluent choice. This ensures clarity and naturalness in speech and writing.
9.
The young boy was not wearing ___ clothes.
Correct Answer
D. Zero article
Explanation
The correct sentence is "The young boy was not wearing clothes."
No article is used because "clothes" is a general, plural noun in this context, and in English, plural nouns generally do not require an article unless referring to something specific.
"A" or "an" are used for singular countable nouns, and "clothes" is plural.
"The" is used for specific items, but here, the sentence refers to clothes in a general sense.
Thus, zero article is the correct choice.
10.
Let's buy ___ sugar.
Correct Answer
C. Zero article
Explanation
Zero article is used to refer to sugar in general. This indicates the idea of buying sugar without specifying a particular type or amount. In this context, the speaker suggests buying any sugar, not one specific kind, making the sentence grammatically correct and clear. Using a zero article helps in referring to the substance in a broad, non-specific sense.
11.
Do you like ___ apples?
Correct Answer
C. Zero article
Explanation
Zero article is used to refer to sugar in general. This indicates the idea of buying sugar without specifying a particular type or amount. In this context, the speaker suggests buying any sugar, not one specific kind, making the sentence grammatically correct and clear. Using a zero article helps in referring to the substance in a broad, non-specific sense.
12.
Do you have ___ computer?
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. In this case, "computer" starts with the consonant sound /k/, so "a" is the appropriate article to use. This usage indicates a non-specific item, meaning the speaker is asking if the other person has any computer, not a particular one. The indefinite article helps keep the inquiry general and non-specific.
13.
It's ___ beautiful day.
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. The word "beautiful" starts with the consonant sound /b/, so "a" is the correct article to use. Using "a" before "beautiful day" indicates that it is one among many possible beautiful days, without specifying a particular one. This helps create a sense of generality and non-specificity in the sentence.
14.
He drank ___ cup of coffee while he read the newspaper.
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. The word "cup" starts with the consonant sound /k/, so "a" is the correct article to use. Using "a" before "cup of coffee" indicates that it is one unspecified cup among many possible cups of coffee. This usage keeps the sentence general and avoids specifying any particular cup of coffee.
15.
I would like to buy ___ pair of gloves I saw at ___ mall yesterday.
Correct Answer
A. A, the
Explanation
The correct sentence is "I would like to buy a pair of gloves I saw at the mall yesterday."
"A" is used before "pair of gloves" because you are referring to one unspecified pair of gloves.
"The" is used before "mall" because it refers to a specific mall that you visited yesterday, making it a known, specific place in this context. Thus, "a, the" is the correct combination of articles.
16.
The players ate ___ lunch yesterday afternoon.
Correct Answer
C. Zero article
Explanation
"Lunch" is a noncount or uncountable noun, which means it cannot be counted or quantified. When uncountable nouns are used in a general sense, we do not use an article before them. In this context, the sentence "The players ate lunch yesterday afternoon" is referring to lunch in general, without specifying a particular type or quantity. The zero article is appropriate here to maintain the general sense.
17.
Sam is ___ university student.
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
The word "university" starts with a consonant sound /j/ (as in "you"), so the indefinite article "a" is used before it. Although "university" begins with a vowel letter, the sound it makes is a consonant sound. Therefore, "a university student" is the correct form. Using "a" before "university student" helps indicate that Sam is one among many university students.
18.
I have ___ money in the bank.
Correct Answer
C. Zero article
Explanation
"Money" is an uncountable noun, which means it cannot be counted or quantified. When referring to uncountable nouns in a general sense, we do not use an article before them. In this context, the speaker is talking about money in general that they have in the bank, rather than a specific amount or type of money. The zero article is appropriate here to keep the reference general.
19.
Are these ___ pair of shoes you wore to the prom?
Correct Answer
B. The
Explanation
"The" is used to indicate a specific pair of shoes that the speaker and the listener both know about. Using "the" before "pair of shoes" suggests that there is a shared understanding or knowledge of which shoes are being referred to. This definite article helps specify the item and makes the sentence clear and precise.
20.
Is there ___ big window in your kitchen?
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
The indefinite article "a" is used to indicate one big window in the kitchen, without specifying which one. Using "a" before "big window" suggests that the speaker is asking about the presence of any big window in the kitchen, not a particular one. This usage keeps the question general and open-ended, allowing for any big window to be considered.
21.
Joe is reading ___ book he borrowed from ____ library.
Correct Answer
A. The, the
Explanation
"The" is used before "book" to indicate a specific book that Joe borrowed, and "the" is also used before "library" to refer to a particular library. The definite article "the" specifies known, particular items that both the speaker and listener can identify. In this context, "Joe is reading the book he borrowed from the library" clearly indicates that both the book and the library are already known to both parties, enhancing specificity and clarity.
22.
This is ___ expensive wine.
Correct Answer
D. An
Explanation
"An" is used before words that start with a vowel sound, such as "expensive," which begins with the /ɪ/ sound. Using "an" before "expensive wine" ensures smooth pronunciation and natural flow in speech. The indefinite article "an" introduces a non-specific instance of wine that is described as expensive. This correct usage helps in maintaining the sentence's clarity and fluency.
23.
Let's go for ___ drive in the country.
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, such as "drive," which starts with the consonant sound /d/. By saying "a drive," the speaker is suggesting an unspecified, general activity rather than a specific one. This usage indicates that the drive is one of many possible drives that could occur in the country, maintaining generality and non-specificity.
24.
Herman has ___ ugly dog.
Correct Answer
B. An
Explanation
"An" is used before words that start with a vowel sound, and "ugly" starts with the vowel sound /ʌ/. The use of "an" ensures that the sentence flows smoothly and avoids awkward pronunciation. By saying "an ugly dog," the speaker introduces a non-specific, general instance of a dog that is described as ugly, maintaining clarity and fluency in the sentence.
25.
Did Janet have __ dinner yet?
Correct Answer
C. Zero article
Explanation
The zero article is used when referring to uncountable nouns in a general sense. "Dinner" is an uncountable noun, so the question "Did Janet have dinner yet?" does not need an article. This usage indicates a general reference to the meal, without specifying any particular instance of dinner. It keeps the sentence clear and general, suitable for common, everyday communication.
26.
I wish I had ___ Italian sports car.
Correct Answer
A. An
Explanation
"An" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, and "Italian" starts with the vowel sound /ɪ/. The indefinite article "an" introduces a non-specific instance of an Italian sports car, indicating that the speaker wishes for any Italian sports car, not a particular one. This correct usage maintains clarity and natural flow in the sentence, ensuring it is grammatically correct and easy to understand.
27.
Have you ever seen ___ kangaroo?
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
The indefinite article "a" is used before the noun "kangaroo" to indicate a general reference to any kangaroo. By asking "Have you ever seen a kangaroo?" the speaker inquires about the listener's experience with kangaroos in general, rather than a specific one. This usage keeps the question broad and open, allowing for any instance of encountering a kangaroo to be considered.
28.
There was ___ weird sound in ___ bedroom last night.
Correct Answer
B. A, the
Explanation
"A" is used before "weird sound" to indicate an unspecified, singular sound. "The" is used before "bedroom" to specify a particular bedroom known to both the speaker and listener. By saying "There was a weird sound in the bedroom last night," the speaker identifies an unidentified sound occurring in a specific bedroom, likely belonging to the speaker or contextually relevant to the conversation. This combination of articles maintains clarity and specificity.
29.
Jack Anderson was caught holding _____ match at _____ time of _____ fire.
Correct Answer
A. A, the, the
Explanation
"A" is used before "match" to indicate one specific match. "The" is used before "time" and "fire" to specify particular instances known to both the speaker and listener. The sentence "Jack Anderson was caught holding a match at the time of the fire" indicates that a specific match, time, and fire are being referred to. Using the definite article helps in clearly identifying these specific elements, ensuring the sentence is precise and informative.
30.
She replied _____ that _____ question was much too difficult.
Correct Answer
C. No article, the
Explanation
No article is needed before "replied" as it is a verb. "The" is used before "question" to specify a particular question mentioned earlier. The sentence "She replied that the question was much too difficult" indicates a specific question known to both the speaker and listener. Using "the" helps in clearly identifying the particular question being referred to, ensuring clarity and precision in the sentence.