Question

Fill in the blank [16] with suitable article from the options given:

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

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

the

As the given sentence explains something that had happened for the first time, it was a one time event and hence can be considered as definite. Thus we will use 'the' before 'first'.

We can't use 'a' as it is not a general sentence. For example, 'There's always a first time for everything.'

We can't use 'an' as 'first' doesn't start with a vowel sound.

Also, as 'first' is not a proper noun, we must use an article before it.

Thus option B is the correct answer.

Options A, C and D are incorrect.

Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.'