This grammar exercise tests your understanding of the rules regarding the use of the definite and indefinite articles.
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate article.
1. Twelve inches make ………………. foot.
The indefinite article ‘a’ can be used in the numerical sense of one.
2. One evening ……………………. beggar came to my door.
The indefinite article ‘a’ can be used in the vague sense of ‘a certain’.
3. …………………….. student should obey her teacher.
The indefinite article ‘a’ can be used in the sense of ‘any’.
4. At last ……………………….. warrior in him was thoroughly aroused.
The definite article ‘the’ is sometimes placed before a common noun to give it the meaning of an abstract noun.
5. This is ………………………. best book on elementary chemistry.
The definite article ‘the’ is used with superlative adjectives.
6. What kind of ……………………….. is it?
Articles are omitted before common nouns used in their widest sense.
7. Newton was ……………………….. great scientist and philosopher.
The indefinite article ‘a’ can be used in the numerical sense of ‘one’.
8. I cannot forget ……………………….. with which he treated me.
An abstract noun may have the article ‘the’ when it is followed by an adjective or adjectival phrase.
9. ……………………… is the only animal that uses fire.
When the noun man is used in the general sense, it does not take an article.
10. ……………………. tenth chapter of this book is very interesting.
The definite article ‘the’ is used with ordinal numbers.
11. ……………………….. is its own reward.
Articles are omitted before abstract nouns used in a general sense.
12. I learnt German at ……………………..
No article is used when the reference is to the primary purpose of the nouns school, college, hospital, prison or church.
Answers
1. Twelve inches make a foot.
2. One evening a beggar came to my door.
3. A student should obey her teacher.
4. At last the warrior in him was thoroughly aroused.
5. This is the best book on elementary chemistry.
6. What kind of flower is it?
7. Newton was a great scientist and philosopher.
8. I cannot forget the kindness with which he treated me.
9. Man is the only animal that uses fire.
10. The tenth chapter of this book is very interesting.
11. Virtue is its own reward.
12. I learnt German at school.
