Identify the sentence that correctly uses the indefinite article.
I have never seen a UFO in an English movie.
Understanding Indefinite Articles: 'A' vs. 'An'
Indefinite articles 'a' and 'an' are used before singular, countable nouns. The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the sound of the word that follows the article, specifically the first sound.
- Use a before words that start with a consonant sound. (e.g., a car, a dog, a house, a university - 'university' starts with a 'yoo' sound)
- Use an before words that start with a vowel sound. (e.g., an apple, an elephant, an hour - 'hour' starts with an 'ow' sound)
Analyzing the Sentences for Indefinite Article Usage
Let's look at each sentence and check the usage of the indefinite article 'a' or 'an' before "UFO" and "English movie".
Sentence 1: "I have never seen an UFO in an English movie."
- "an UFO": The word "UFO" is an abbreviation pronounced "you-ef-oh". The first sound is 'yoo', which is a consonant sound. Therefore, it should be "a UFO". This part is incorrect.
- "an English movie": The word "English" starts with the vowel sound 'E'. Therefore, "an English" is correct.
This sentence is incorrect because "an UFO" is wrong.
Sentence 2: "I have never seen a UFO in a English movie."
- "a UFO": As explained above, "UFO" starts with a consonant sound 'yoo', so "a UFO" is correct.
- "a English movie": The word "English" starts with the vowel sound 'E'. Therefore, it should be "an English". This part is incorrect.
This sentence is incorrect because "a English" is wrong.
Sentence 3: "I have never seen a UFO in an English movie."
- "a UFO": Correct, as "UFO" starts with a consonant sound 'yoo'.
- "an English movie": Correct, as "English" starts with the vowel sound 'E'.
This sentence correctly uses the indefinite articles before both "UFO" and "English movie".
Sentence 4: "I have never seen an UFO in a English movie."
- "an UFO": Incorrect, as "UFO" starts with a consonant sound 'yoo'. It should be "a UFO".
- "a English movie": Incorrect, as "English" starts with the vowel sound 'E'. It should be "an English".
This sentence is incorrect because both "an UFO" and "a English" are wrong.
Identifying the Correct Sentence
Based on the analysis, only Sentence 3 correctly uses the indefinite articles 'a' and 'an' according to the rules based on the starting sound of the following word.
The sentence that correctly uses the indefinite article is: I have never seen a UFO in an English movie.
Revision Table: 'A' vs. 'An' Rules
| Article | Used Before Words Starting With... | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| a | Consonant sound | a cat, a dog, a university, a one-way street ('one' starts with a 'w' sound) |
| an | Vowel sound | an apple, an egg, an hour, an umbrella |
Additional Information on Indefinite Articles
Here are a few more points about using indefinite articles 'a' and 'an':
- They are only used with singular, countable nouns. You cannot use 'a' or 'an' with plural nouns (e.g., not "a cars") or uncountable nouns (e.g., not "a water").
- The article refers to any general item of that type, not a specific one (unlike 'the').
- If an adjective comes before the noun, the choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the sound of the adjective. For example, "an honest person" (honest starts with an 'o' sound), "a useful tool" (useful starts with a 'yoo' sound).
Mastering the use of 'a' and 'an' based on sound is key to correct English grammar.
Similar Questions
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.
He was compelled by everyone to join the group.
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.
Do you know the old adage 'the show must go on’?
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
She reminds me always that I ________ to be a little more careful.
Identify the INCORRECTLY spelt word in the given sentence.
The Collector paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi after hossting the flag.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
To kick the bucket
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word given in brackets to fill in the blank.
Mr. Khanna is quite ___________(callous) towards the victims of earthquake.
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
The boys and the teacher wants to win.
Sentences of a paragraph are given below. While the first and the last sentences (S1 and S6) are in the correct order, the sentences in between are jumbled up and named P, Q, R, S. Arrange the sentences in the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.
(S1) Newspapers, especially of the popular variety, aim to do two things: to inform and to entertain.
(P) Entertainment may be principally found in the centre pages of the newspaper in some of the feature articles and in some local news stories.
(Q) The principal aim of the short news report on the front pages is to inform.
(R) Most newspapers are published daily, and the news reporters must make sure that they have up-to-the minute news.
(S) In their news reports they will aim to create a sense of immediacy, to convey the impression that they have ‘rushed’ the news to the reader and ‘that the information contained is the very latest.’
(S6) Reporters also wish to create a sense of authenticity, that is, that their news is accurate and genuine.
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word from the sentence.
Ready
She was preparing dinner in an organised manner using well-equipped tools while listening to the radio.
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word ‘Optimistic’ from the given sentence.
After the incident, Radha prepared herself to stay positive even in gloomy days.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
A stone is thrown horizontally from the top of a 20 m high building with a speed of 12 m/s. It hits the ground at a distance R from the building. Taking g = 10 m/s2 and neglecting air resistance will give :
A mass is attached to a spring that hangs vertically. The extension produced in the spring is 6 cm on Earth. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Moon is one-sixth of its value on the surface of the Earth. The extension of the spring on the Moon would be:
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c), and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.
The deluge affected the population.The major source of vitamins and minerals for vegetarians is
Which of the following statements about the Deccan Riots Commission is/are correct?
1. The Commission did not hold enquiries in the districts which were not affected.
2. The Commission did record the statements of ryots, sahukars and eye-witnesses.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
