Question

Choose the correct word/phrase to complete the sentence.
Quick! Someone call ______ policeman.

• A. a
• B. an
• C. the
• D. no article

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

the
a

The indefinite articles, 'a' and 'an' are used before an indefinite noun. The definite article, 'the' is used to point to a particular noun. In the given sentence, the word, 'policeman' could refer to a particular policeman of the locality. It could refer to a particular policeman the speaker knows. Alternately, it could refer to any policeman (i.e not anyone in particular). So, use of both indefinite and definite articles are acceptable in the blank.

Therefore, use of the definite article, 'the' is correct and option C is correct.

Now, let us see which indefinite articles can be used. The use of 'a' or 'an' depends on whether the noun which follows the article begins with a vowel sound or a consonant sound. If it begins with a vowel sound, the article, 'an' is used. If the noun following the article starts with a consonant sound, the article, 'a' is used.

In the given sentence, the noun which follows the blank is 'policeman'. It starts with a consonant sound (p). Hence, the appropriate article is 'a'. Hence, option A is correct and option B is incorrect.

Option D is incorrect as options A and C are correct,