English Grammar Shortcut Rules For CDS, NDA, AFCAT Exams-Articles
English Grammar Shortcut Rules For CDS, NDA, AFCAT Exams
Articles – Shortcut Rules
Rule 1 : The indefinite article ‘A’ should be used before the word ‘Half’ when it follows a whole number.
I stayed in Madras for one and half years. ☓
I stayed in Madras for one and a half years. ✔
He spent one and half a half rupee. ☓
He spent one and a half rupees. ✔
Rule 2 : The definite article ‘THE’ should be used with a comparative adjective if the phrase ‘of the two’ is used.
She is better of the two sisters. ☓
She is the better of the two sisters. ✔
This is the best of the two books. ☓
This is the better of the two books. ✔
Rule 3 : With the names of meals such as Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner / Supper, no article should be used in a general way except in particular causes.
I have the breakfast at 8 hrs in the morning ☓
I have breakfast at 8 hrs in the morning ✔
Rule 4 : The + Positive Adjective represent the whole class, and take a plural verb.
The rich is responsible for the lawlessness in the country.☓
The rich are responsible for the lawlessness in the country. ✔
Say ‘The poor are / The young are / The old are’ etc…
Rule 5 : After Di- Transitive Verbs like Elect / Make / Appoint, articles should not be used except when they are used as Mono transitive verbs.
We appointed him a chairman.☓
We appointed him chairman ✔
We made him a leader ☓
We made him leader. ✔
The Govt. has appointed a Committee (mono transitive) (As a mono transitive verb)
Rule 6 : After type of / kind of / sort of / post of / title of / rank of / articles are not used.
He is not that sort of a man. ☓
He is not that soft of man. ✔
He was promoted to the rank of a General Manager. ☓
He was promoted to the rank of General Manager. ✔