Question

Use an appropriate article where necessary:
I know a lot of people. Most of them are _______ students.
A) a
B) an
C) the
D) no article

Answer 1

Hint: This question is about Articles. Articles are determiner words which are used with nouns to give the idea about the nature of the nouns, i.e., is the noun specific or general in its reference. There are three articles; (A), (An), & (The). These are also called “Noun Markers”.

Complete answer:
While working with articles, always keep an eye on the subjective noun and its nature, this will help you identify what article is to be used.

Let us analyze the given options:
Option (A)- a- is incorrect as it is used with a singular countable noun, but the given noun, i.e., students is plural.
Option (B)- an- is incorrect as it is used with a singular countable noun starting with a vowel sound, but the given noun, i.e., students is plural and doesn’t start with a vowel sound.
Option (C)- the- is incorrect as it is used with a specific noun, but the given noun, i.e., students is generic in its sense and is a common noun.
Option (D)- no article- is correct as the word “students” is a common countable and plural noun, and no articles are used with plural common countable nouns.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note: While working with articles, keep in mind the following table: -

Rule to be followed ↓	Nature of Noun →	Countable	Uncountable
Rule no. 1 if the specific identity is not known	a, an (with vowel sound)	(no article)
Rule no. 2 If the Specific identity is known	the	the
Rule no. 3 All things or things in general	(no article)	(no article)