Question

Replace the underlined article in the given sentence, wherever required, by choosing from the options given:
The rabbit hit upon the idea.
A) an
B) a
C) no change
D) no article required

Answer 1

Hint: This question is about articles. Articles are special words that tell us whether the noun or noun phrase used in the sentence is specific or unspecific. There are two types of articles: Definite and Indefinite. A definite article is “THE”, and is used to describe a specific and definitive noun or noun phrase. The Indefinite articles are “A” and “AN”, and both are used to describe unspecific and ordinary nouns or noun phrases. “A” is used with nouns starting with consonant sounds whereas “AN” is used with nouns starting with vowel sounds.

Complete answer:
In the given sentence, there is no indication of what specific idea the rabbit has. Therefore, the definite article “THE” cannot be used here. And to change that, an indefinite article has to come.

Now let us analyze the given options:
Option (A) an- The answer is correct because we know that “an” is used before words that start with a vowel and here in the given word “idea” starts with a vowel sound (I) and the given sentence requires an indefinite article.
Option (B)- a- The answer is incorrect because the noun “idea” starts with a vowel sound, not a consonant sound.
Option (C)- no change- The answer is incorrect as a definite article “THE” is used instead of the required indefinite article.
Option (D)- no article required- The answer is incorrect because we don’t use articles when the noun of the sentence is proper. But the given noun is a common noun, hence an article is required.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note: Working with articles, keep in mind the following tips:
- No article is used if the noun or noun phrase is proper. Keeping this in mind will help you to recognize if an article is needed or not.
- In the case of a common noun or noun phrase, the article is a must, which depends upon the type of the common noun, i.e., definite or indefinite. If the noun is specific, a definite article “THE” is used, whereas, if the noun is unspecific, indefinite articles “A” and “AN” are used.
- “A” is used with nouns starting with a consonant sound whereas, “AN” is used with nouns starting with a vowel sound.