Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blanks. He likes to drink \ \ \ \ \ \ tea in \ \ \ \ \ \ af… - DSSSB October 2024

DSSSB October 2024

English

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

The first blank requires 'no article' (zero article) because 'tea' is an uncountable noun being referred to in a general sense.
The second blank requires the definite article 'the' because 'in the afternoon' is a fixed, standard expression in English for a specific part of the day.
no article; the matches the defining clue or classification criterion in the stem.
Supporting mechanism: The option aligns with the governing rule, pattern, sequence, classification, or exam logic being tested.
Key differentiator: It fits the one fact that separates the correct response from the closest distractor.

Option A: The indefinite article 'a' cannot be used with an uncountable noun like 'tea' when referring to it generally.
Option B: Using 'the' before 'tea' implies a specific tea, which is not the context. Omitting the article before 'afternoon' in the phrase 'in afternoon' is grammatically incorrect.
Option C: Using 'the' before 'tea' is contextually incorrect. The article 'an' is incorrect before 'afternoon' in this fixed prepositional phrase.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Use of articles (a, an, the, zero article) in English grammar as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a general English question, clear and precise communication is a critical skill for nurses.
Accurate grammar is essential for writing unambiguous patient notes, reports, care plans, and when providing patient education.
Miscommunication due to grammatical errors can lead to misunderstandings in patient care and compromise safety.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the sentence structure and identify the nouns associated with each blank: 'tea' and 'afternoon'.
For the first blank, determine the nature of the noun 'tea'. It is an uncountable noun used in a general sense, which typically requires no article.
For the second blank, examine the phrase 'in ______ afternoon'. Recognize this as a common expression related to time of day.
Recall the grammatical rule for fixed expressions involving parts of the day (in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening). This rule requires the definite article 'the'.
Combine the findings for both blanks: 'no article' for the first and 'the' for the second.
Evaluate the given options and select the one that matches your conclusion ('no article; the').

Concept Tested & Keywords

QcCdUrihQ8nK_UXbD4eTwF