10 CLASS SSC examination-2026-English grammar-Usage of Articles

 SSC Class 10 · English Grammar · Board Exam 2026

Usage of Articles

A, An & The — Rules, Exceptions & 10 Practice MCQs

📘 SSC Class 10✏️ English Grammar🗓️ Board Exam 2026

Articles are small but powerful words in English grammar. A single wrong article can change the entire meaning of a sentence. In SSC Board Exam 2026, questions on articles test whether a student understands when to use A, An, or The — and when to use no article at all. This article explains all the key rules clearly with examples, followed by 10 Board-level MCQs with answers.

What Are Articles?

Articles are a type of Adjective that modify nouns by indicating whether the noun is specific or general. There are three articles in English:

A

Indefinite Article
Used before singular nouns starting with a consonant sound

AN

Indefinite Article
Used before singular nouns starting with a vowel sound

THE

Definite Article
Used when the noun is specific or already known

Rules for Using Articles

① Rules for A and AN

Key Rule: Use A or AN based on the sound of the next word — not the spelling. If the word begins with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u), use AN. If it begins with a consonant sound, use A.

Use AUse AN
A book, a cat, a dogAn apple, an egg, an umbrella
A university (starts with "yoo" sound — consonant)An hour (starts with "ow" sound — vowel, 'h' is silent)
A European (starts with "yoo" — consonant sound)An honest man ('h' is silent → vowel sound)
A one-rupee coin ("one" starts with "w" — consonant)An MBA (M = "Em" — vowel sound)

② Rules for THE

Use THE in the following situations:

RuleExample
When noun is mentioned for the second timeI saw a dog. The dog was black.
When there is only one of a thing (unique)The sun, the moon, the sky
Before superlativesShe is the best student in class.
Before names of rivers, seas, oceans, mountain rangesThe Ganga, the Himalayas, the Pacific
Before names of newspapers, sacred booksThe Hindu, the Quran, the Bible
Before names of directionsThe sun rises in the east.
Before ordinal numbersHe stood the first in class. India won the second match.

③ When NOT to Use an Article (Zero Article)

RuleExample
Before proper nouns (names of people, countries)Ram lives in India. (not "the India")
Before languages and school subjectsShe studies Mathematics. He speaks Hindi.
Before meals, sports, and gamesWe had dinner. They play cricket.
Before plural nouns used in general senseDogs are faithful animals.

Practice MCQs — Usage of Articles

Fill in the blank with the correct article. Each question carries 1 mark. No negative marking.

Q1. She is ______ honest woman.

(A)  a

(B)  an

(C)  the

(D)  no article

Q2. ______ Ganga is a sacred river of India.

(A)  A

(B)  An

(C)  The

(D)  No article

Q3. He wants to become ______ engineer.

(A)  a

(B)  an

(C)  the

(D)  no article

Q4. ______ sun rises in the east.

(A)  A

(B)  An

(C)  The

(D)  No article

Q5. She is reading ______ Ramayana.

(A)  a

(B)  an

(C)  the

(D)  no article

Q6. He is ______ university student.

(A)  a

(B)  an

(C)  the

(D)  no article

Q7. They play ______ cricket every evening.

(A)  a

(B)  an

(C)  the

(D)  no article

Q8. Ashoka was ______ great king.

(A)  a

(B)  an

(C)  the

(D)  no article

Q9. Mount Everest is ______ highest peak in the world.

(A)  a

(B)  an

(C)  the

(D)  no article

Q10. I waited for ______ hour at the bus stop.

(A)  a

(B)  an

(C)  the

(D)  no article

✅ Answers with Explanation

QAnswerRule / Reason
1(B)  an"Honest" begins with a silent 'h' — the first sound is a vowel sound "o". So use an.
2(C)  TheNames of rivers always take The — The Ganga, The Yamuna, The Nile.
3(B)  an"Engineer" begins with a vowel sound "e". Use an before vowel sounds.
4(C)  TheThe sun is unique — there is only one. Always use The before unique objects: the sun, the moon, the earth.
5(C)  theSacred books and religious scriptures take The — the Ramayana, the Bible, the Quran, the Gita.
6(A)  a"University" begins with a "yoo" sound (consonant sound), not a vowel sound. So use a, not "an".
7(D)  no articleNo article is used before the names of games and sports — play cricket, play chess, play football.
8(A)  a"Great" begins with a consonant sound "g". Use a. When a proper noun is qualified by an adjective, use an article — "a great king."
9(C)  theUse The before superlatives — "the highest," "the best," "the tallest." There is only one highest peak.
10(B)  an"Hour" — the 'h' is silent. The word begins with the vowel sound "ow". So use an. (an hour, an honest man, an heir)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

7 Common Causes of Joint Pain in Seniors

Image
  7 Common Causes of Joint Pain in Seniors (Senior Joint Pain Causes) As people grow older, joint pain in seniors becomes a common health concern. Many older adults experience stiffness, swelling, or discomfort in the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands. Understanding the common causes of joint pain in seniors can help people take early steps to protect their joints and maintain an active lifestyle. In many cases, simple lifestyle changes and proper care can reduce pain and improve mobility. 1. Osteoarthritis – A Major Cause of Joint Pain in Seniors One of the most common causes of joint pain in seniors is Osteoarthritis . This condition occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wears down over time. When cartilage becomes thin, bones may rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Seniors may notice pain especially after physical activity or after long per...
Read more

Fall Prevention Tips Every Senior Should Know

Image
  Fall Prevention Tips Every Senior Should Know As we grow older, fall prevention for seniors becomes extremely important. A simple fall at home can affect independence and health. The good news is that most falls are preventable with small, practical changes. Here are essential fall prevention tips every senior (and family member) should know. 1. Keep Floors Clear and Clutter-Free Loose wires, small furniture, newspapers, and uneven rugs are common causes of falls. Remove unnecessary items from walkways. Secure carpets with non-slip backing. Keep frequently used items within easy reach. A clear walking path is the first line of defense. 2. Improve Home Lighting Poor lighting makes it difficult to see obstacles. Install bright lights in hallways and staircases. Use night lights in bedrooms and bathrooms. Keep a lamp near the bed for easy access. Good lighting reduces hesitation and prevents missteps. 3. Wear Proper Footwear Slippers without grip ...
Read more

How to Improve Sleep After 65: Simple Tips for Better Health and Rest

Image
  How to Improve Sleep After 65: Simple Tips for Better Health and Rest Good sleep becomes more important as we grow older. However, many seniors find it difficult to sleep well at night. Learning how to improve sleep after 65 can help you feel more energetic, think clearly, and maintain good health. With a few simple lifestyle changes, seniors can enjoy deeper and more refreshing sleep. 1. Create a Comfortable Environment to Improve Sleep After 65 A peaceful bedroom is very important to improve sleep after 65 . Your bedroom should be quiet, dark, and comfortable. Here are a few simple tips: Keep the room cool and well-ventilated Use comfortable pillows and mattress Reduce noise and bright lights Avoid watching television in bed A calm sleeping environment helps the brain relax and prepares the body for good sleep. 2. Maintain a Daily Routine to Improve Sleep After 65 Following a regular routine can greatly improve sleep after 65 . Our body has a natural clo...
Read more