Article Usage: Choosing 'A' for 'Year Ago'

This question tests the correct usage of English articles, specifically the indefinite articles 'a' and 'an', in a common time expression.

Understanding Articles

Articles are words used before nouns to specify whether they are general or specific. The main articles in English are 'a', 'an', and 'the'.

• 'A' and 'An' (Indefinite Articles): These are used before singular, countable nouns when the noun is mentioned for the first time or is not specific. 'A' is used before words starting with a consonant sound, and 'an' is used before words starting with a vowel sound.
• 'The' (Definite Article): This is used before singular or plural nouns (both countable and uncountable) when the noun is specific or has already been mentioned.
• 'No Article': Sometimes, no article is needed, typically before plural nouns, uncountable nouns used generally, or proper nouns.

Analyzing the Sentence

The sentence is: "I first met him __________ year ago."

We need to fill the blank before the word "year".

Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Identify the Noun: The noun following the blank is "year".
2. Check Countability and Specificity: "Year" is a singular, countable noun. The phrase "year ago" refers to a non-specific point in the past. It doesn't point to a particular year (like 'the year 1990'). Therefore, an indefinite article ('a' or 'an') is appropriate.
3. Determine the Sound: The word "year" starts with the letter 'y'. We need to consider the *sound*, not just the letter. The 'y' in "year" makes a /j/ sound (like in 'yes'), which is a consonant sound.
4. Apply the Rule ('a' vs 'an'): Since "year" starts with a consonant sound, the correct indefinite article is 'a'.
5. Evaluate Options:
   • 'a': Correct, as "year" starts with a consonant sound.
   • 'an': Incorrect, as "year" does not start with a vowel sound.
   • 'the': Incorrect, as we are referring to a non-specific time period, not a particular year.
   • 'no article': Incorrect, as "year" is a singular countable noun requiring an article in this context.

Conclusion

The correct sentence is: "I first met him a year ago." This correctly uses the indefinite article 'a' because "year" begins with a consonant sound and the time reference is general.