Question

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
Unfortunately, a few schools in the area have an internet connection.

• A. Unfortunately, few schools in the area have an internet connection.
• B. Unfortunately, the few schools in the area have an internet connection.
• C. Unfortunately, some schools in the area have an internet connection.
• D. NO CHANGE

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Unfortunately, few schools in the area have an internet connection.

The phrase in the sentence 'a few schools' emphasizes on the number of schools in a positive way, whereas the word 'unfortunately' itself provides a negative meaning to the sentence, a change needs to be made hence option D is incorrect. Option A is correct because the phrase "few schools" emphasizes that there are very few schools, an almost negligible number, which is an unfortunate thing indeed. When we use the definite article 'the', we should make sure the noun is specific, by adding a clause that identifies it. Option B is incorrect because the phrase "the few schools" is not followed by any phrase or clause that would identify it and make it specific. Option C is incorrect because the quantifier 'some' changes the meaning of the sentence to: "It is unfortunate that those schools have an internet connection", which does not convey the meaning of the given sentence.