Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
After years of research, the scientist finally discovered ________ cure for the disease.

1. A

   No Article Required

2. B

   a

3. C

   Few

4. D

   An

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

• The noun following the blank is 'cure', which is a singular and countable noun.
• The word 'cure' begins with a consonant sound (/k/).
• The grammatical rule states that the indefinite article 'a' should be used before singular, countable nouns that start with a consonant sound.
• Therefore, 'a cure' is the grammatically correct phrase for the sentence.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: Singular countable nouns like 'cure', when mentioned in a general, indefinite sense, require an article. Omitting the article makes the sentence grammatically incomplete.
• Option C: 'Few' is a quantifier used to indicate a small number of items. It must be followed by a plural countable noun.
• Option D: The article 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u). 'Cure' begins with a consonant sound (/k/).

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Safe nursing care depends on performing Use of indefinite articles (a/an) with singular countable nouns in the correct sequence, documenting the action clearly, and monitoring for the expected response.
• Clear and precise communication is a critical skill in nursing. Proper grammar ensures that patient records, reports, and instructions are unambiguous and professional.
• Errors in documentation, even simple grammatical ones, can lead to misinterpretation, affecting patient safety and quality of care.
• What if the sentence was about a specific, previously mentioned cure? The definite article 'the' would be used: 'After discussing the experimental treatment, the scientist confirmed that the cure was effective.'.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the word immediately following the blank, which is 'cure'.
• Next, determine the characteristics of this noun. 'Cure' is a singular, countable noun.
• Then, analyze the initial sound of the word 'cure'. It starts with a /k/ sound, which is a consonant sound.
• Recall the fundamental rule for indefinite articles: use 'a' before consonant sounds and 'an' before vowel sounds.
• Based on the consonant sound of 'cure', conclude that 'a' is the correct article.
• Finally, evaluate the other options to confirm your choice. 'Few' requires a plural noun, and 'an' requires a vowel sound, making them incorrect in this context.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Use of indefinite articles (a/an) with singular countable nouns.
• Stem keywords: articles, grammar, fill in the blank
• Lead-in keywords: most appropriate option
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QX-L6paXWAyQfut35QCDyR

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