Question

Choose the correct option to fill the blank-
I have met her many a _____.
a- Times
b- Timing
c- Time
d- Timings

Answer 1

Hint: Both many times and many a time have the same meaning but the latter is used in formal terms. ‘Many a time’ indicates the use of a singular noun.

Complete answer:
As given in the hint, we can see the use of indefinite article ‘a’, which suggests that the noun has to be singular.
Both Many times and many a time refer to something that is done or performed often.
For example- She has done it many a time herself. Here, we can conclude that X has acted many a time herself.
In the given question- We can conclude that X has met her many a time. Here, we have used ‘time’ because we see the use of a singular indefinite article ‘a’. Hence, we have used a singular noun to complete the phrase.
Now, let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘Times’ cannot be used with indefinite article ‘a’ because it is a plural noun. It is used without any article or determiner. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Timing’ is a singular noun but it cannot be used in the given context because there is no such phrase as ‘many a timing’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Time’ is a singular noun that is used with indefinite articles. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option d- ‘Timings’ is a plural noun that is not used with indefinite articles. Hence, it is an incorrect option. The correct answer is Option ‘c’.

Note:
Keep in mind, the indefinite article ‘a’ and ‘an’ are only used with singular nouns, whereas the definite article ‘the’ can be used with plural nouns.