Articles - What Is The Missing Word?

1. It is important to carry _________ umbrella in England.

A

The

An

Zero article

In this sentence, the correct answer is "an." The word "umbrella" begins with a vowel sound, so it is appropriate to use the indefinite article "an" instead of "a." This rule applies regardless of whether the noun is plural or singular. Therefore, the sentence should be "It is important to carry an umbrella in England."

Explanation

In this sentence, the correct answer is "an." The word "umbrella" begins with a vowel sound, so it is appropriate to use the indefinite article "an" instead of "a." This rule applies regardless of whether the noun is plural or singular. Therefore, the sentence should be "It is important to carry an umbrella in England."

2. I went on holiday to _________ Netherlands last year.

A

The

An

Zero article

The use of "the" before "Netherlands" indicates that the speaker went on holiday to a specific country called the Netherlands. "The" is used before the names of countries that have a plural form, such as the Netherlands, the United States, or the Philippines.

Explanation

The use of "the" before "Netherlands" indicates that the speaker went on holiday to a specific country called the Netherlands. "The" is used before the names of countries that have a plural form, such as the Netherlands, the United States, or the Philippines.

3. My brother enjoyed learning about __________ history of Spain.

A

Zero article

An

The

The correct answer is "the" because it indicates a specific history, in this case, the history of Spain. The use of "the" suggests that there is a particular history of Spain that the brother enjoyed learning about, rather than just any history.

Explanation

The correct answer is "the" because it indicates a specific history, in this case, the history of Spain. The use of "the" suggests that there is a particular history of Spain that the brother enjoyed learning about, rather than just any history.

4. Unfortunately, I arrived __________ hour late for the meeting.

An

Zero article

The

A

The correct answer is "an" because it is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. In this case, "hour" is pronounced with a silent "h," so it sounds like it starts with a vowel sound. Therefore, "an" is the appropriate article to use in this sentence.

Explanation

The correct answer is "an" because it is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. In this case, "hour" is pronounced with a silent "h," so it sounds like it starts with a vowel sound. Therefore, "an" is the appropriate article to use in this sentence.

5. "Excuse me, where can I find __________ university?"

Zero article

A

The

An

The use of "the" in this question suggests that the speaker is referring to a specific university that they are looking for. By using "the," the speaker implies that they have a particular university in mind and are asking for directions to that specific institution.

Explanation

The use of "the" in this question suggests that the speaker is referring to a specific university that they are looking for. By using "the," the speaker implies that they have a particular university in mind and are asking for directions to that specific institution.

6. I love ______ cats. They are beautiful.

Zero article

The

An

A

The correct answer is "Zero article" because when we use the zero article, it means that we are referring to cats in general, without specifying any particular cats. In this sentence, the speaker is expressing their love for cats in general and stating that they find them beautiful.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Zero article" because when we use the zero article, it means that we are referring to cats in general, without specifying any particular cats. In this sentence, the speaker is expressing their love for cats in general and stating that they find them beautiful.

7. My friend studied __________ Spanish history at college.

Zero article

The

An

A

In this sentence, the correct answer is "zero article". This means that no article is needed before the noun "Spanish history". When we talk about a subject in a general or abstract sense, we often omit the article. In this case, "Spanish history" is being referred to in a general way, without specifying any particular aspect or period of it. Therefore, no article is necessary.

Explanation

In this sentence, the correct answer is "zero article". This means that no article is needed before the noun "Spanish history". When we talk about a subject in a general or abstract sense, we often omit the article. In this case, "Spanish history" is being referred to in a general way, without specifying any particular aspect or period of it. Therefore, no article is necessary.

8. I went to ________ university when I was 19.

A

An

Zero article

The

The correct answer is "zero article" because when referring to a university in a general sense, we do not use an article before the noun. In this case, the speaker is not specifying a particular university, but simply stating that they went to university when they were 19.

Explanation

The correct answer is "zero article" because when referring to a university in a general sense, we do not use an article before the noun. In this case, the speaker is not specifying a particular university, but simply stating that they went to university when they were 19.