DETERMINERS IN ENGLISH GRAMMAR
1\. Introduction to Determiners
Determiners are words used before nouns to specify, identify, quantify or indicate the nouns. They help us understand whether we are talking about a particular person, place, thing or an unspecified one.
Determiners generally come before nouns and provide information about their quantity, possession, number or identity.
Examples:
* This book is interesting.
* I have some money.
* She is my sister.
* Every student must work hard.
* There are many students in the classroom.
* The sun rises in the east.
In the above sentences:
* This indicates a particular book.
* Some indicates an unspecified quantity of money.
* My indicates possession.
* Every refers to each individual student.
* Many indicates a large number.
* The identifies a particular noun.
Definition: A determiner is a word placed before a noun to identify it, specify its quantity, show possession or indicate which person or thing is being referred to.
### 2\. Functions of Determiners
Determiners perform several important functions in English grammar.
1\. Identification: They identify a particular noun.
* The boy is playing.
* This pen is mine.
2\. Quantity: They indicate how much or how many.
* I have some books.
* There is little water.
3\. Possession: They show ownership or relationship.
* My father is a teacher.
* Their house is beautiful.
4\. Number: They indicate the number of people or things.
* Two boys are absent.
* Several students participated.
5\. Distribution: They refer to members of a group individually.
* Each student received a prize.
* Every child needs education.
### 3\. Types of Determiners
Determiners are broadly classified into the following categories:
* Articles
* Demonstrative Determiners
* Possessive Determiners
* Quantifiers
* Numeral Determiners
* Distributive Determiners
* Interrogative Determiners
* Relative Determiners
* Difference and Similarity Determiners
### 4\. Articles as Determiners
Articles are among the most important types of determiners. They are used before nouns to indicate whether the noun is definite or indefinite.
There are three articles in English:
* A
* An
* The
Articles are divided into two main categories:
A. Indefinite Articles: A and An
B. Definite Article: The
### 4.1 Use of A
The article 'A' is used before a singular countable noun beginning with a consonant sound.
Examples:
* A boy
* A girl
* A university
* A European
* A useful book
* A one-eyed man
* A horse
Important Rule: The use of A or An depends on pronunciation, not merely on the first letter.
Examples:
* A university (yu sound)
* A European (yu sound)
* A one-rupee coin (w sound)
* A useful idea (yu sound)
### 4.2 Use of An
The article 'An' is used before a singular countable noun beginning with a vowel sound.
Examples:
* An apple
* An orange
* An elephant
* An umbrella
* An honest man
* An hour
* An MBA student
Important Examples for Competitive Exams:
| Correct expression | Reason |
| ------------------ | ----------------------- |
| An honest man | H is silent |
| An hour | H is silent |
| An heir | H is silent |
| A university | Begins with yu sound |
| A European | Begins with yu sound |
| An M.A. student | M is pronounced em |
| An FIR | F is pronounced ef |
| A one-eyed man | One begins with w sound |
### 4.3 Use of The
'The' is called the definite article. It is used when we refer to a particular or specific person, place or thing.
Important rules:
1\. Before a particular noun:
* The boy standing there is my brother.
2\. Before unique things:
* The sun
* The moon
* The earth
* The sky
3\. Before the names of rivers:
* The Ganga
* The Yamuna
* The Nile
4\. Before the names of oceans and seas:
* The Indian Ocean
* The Arabian Sea
* The Pacific Ocean
5\. Before mountain ranges:
* The Himalayas
* The Alps
* The Andes
6\. Before the names of newspapers:
* The Hindu
* The Times of India
7\. Before superlative degrees:
* The best student
* The tallest building
* The most beautiful flower
8\. Before ordinal numbers:
* The first chapter
* The second question
* The tenth student
9\. Before musical instruments:
* He plays the guitar.
* She plays the piano.
10\. Before certain geographical and political names:
* The United States of America
* The United Kingdom
* The United Arab Emirates
### 4.4 Omission of Articles
Articles are generally omitted in the following situations:
1\. Before plural nouns used in a general sense:
* Books are useful.
* Teachers play an important role.
2\. Before uncountable nouns used generally:
* Water is essential for life.
* Honesty is the best policy.
3\. Before most proper nouns:
* India is a great country.
* Kashmir is beautiful.
4\. Before languages:
* English is an international language.
* Urdu is widely spoken.
5\. Before meals in a general sense:
* We have breakfast at 8 a.m.
* Dinner is ready.
6\. Before games:
* He plays cricket.
* They play football.
7\. Before academic subjects:
* Mathematics is difficult.
* History is an interesting subject.
Exam Tip: Articles are frequently tested through fill-in-the-blanks, error detection and sentence improvement questions.
### 5\. Demonstrative Determiners
Demonstrative determiners are used to point out particular persons, places or things.
There are four main demonstrative determiners:
* This
* That
* These
* Those
| Determiner | Usage | Example |
| ---------- | -------------- | ------------------------------- |
| This | Singular, near | This book is mine. |
| That | Singular, far | That house is beautiful. |
| These | Plural, near | These students are intelligent. |
| Those | Plural, far | Those flowers are beautiful. |
### Important Rules
Rule 1: This + Singular Countable Noun
* This pen is expensive.
* This boy is intelligent.
Rule 2: That + Singular Countable Noun
* That girl is my friend.
* That building is old.
Rule 3: These + Plural Noun
* These books are useful.
* These boys are playing.
Rule 4: Those + Plural Noun
* Those children are happy.
* Those houses are expensive.
Rule 5: This and That can also be used with uncountable nouns.
Examples:
* This water is cold.
* That information is incorrect.
Common Errors:
Incorrect: These book is mine.
Correct: This book is mine.
Incorrect: This boys are intelligent.
Correct: These boys are intelligent.
### 6\. Possessive Determiners
Possessive determiners indicate ownership, possession or relationship.
The important possessive determiners are:
* My
* Your
* His
* Her
* Its
* Our
* Their
* Whose
### Examples
* My father is a doctor.
* Your answer is correct.
* His brother is a teacher.
* Her dress is beautiful.
* The dog is wagging its tail.
* Our country is great.
* Their house is large.
* Whose book is this?
### Possessive Determiners and Pronouns
Students often confuse possessive determiners with possessive pronouns.
| Possessive Determiners | Possessive Pronouns |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| My | Mine |
| Your | Yours |
| His | His |
| Her | Hers |
| Its | No commonly used independent equivalent |
| Our | Ours |
| Their | Theirs |
Important Difference:
A possessive determiner is used before a noun.
* This is my book.
* That is her pen.
* Their house is beautiful.
A possessive pronoun replaces the noun.
* This book is mine.
* That pen is hers.
* That house is theirs.
Exam Tip: Never use a possessive pronoun directly before a noun.
Incorrect: This is mine book.
Correct: This is my book.
### 7\. Quantifiers
Quantifiers are determiners used to express the quantity or amount of something.
They answer the questions:
* How many?
* How much?
Important quantifiers include:
Some, Any, Much, Many, Few, A Few, The Few, Little, A Little, The Little, Several, Enough, All, Both, No, Plenty of, A Lot of and Lots of.
### 7.1 Some
'Some' is generally used with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns.
Examples:
* I have some books.
* There is some milk in the glass.
* She bought some apples.
* We need some information.
Important Rule: Some is generally used in affirmative sentences.
Examples:
* I have some money.
* There are some students in the classroom.
However, it is also used in questions when making offers or requests, or when expecting a positive answer.
Examples:
* Would you like some tea?
* Can I have some water?
### 7.2 Any
'Any' is commonly used in negative and interrogative sentences.
Examples:
* I do not have any money.
* Are there any students in the classroom?
* She did not buy any books.
* Do you have any questions?
Important Rule: Any can also be used in affirmative sentences to mean 'whichever' or 'no matter which'.
Examples:
* You can take any book.
* Any student can participate.
### 7.3 Much
'Much' is used with uncountable nouns.
Examples:
* There is not much water.
* How much money do you need?
* We do not have much time.
* She has too much work.
Incorrect: How many water do you need?
Correct: How much water do you need?
### 7.4 Many
'Many' is used with plural countable nouns.
Examples:
* Many students attended the meeting.
* How many books do you have?
* There are many trees in the garden.
* Many people participated in the competition.
Incorrect: Much students are absent.
Correct: Many students are absent.
### 7.5 Few
'Few' means almost none or not many. It has a negative meaning.
It is used with plural countable nouns.
Examples:
* Few students passed the examination.
* Few people understand the importance of education.
* He has few friends.
Meaning: The number is so small that it is insufficient or disappointing.
### 7.6 A Few
'A few' means some or a small number. It has a positive meaning.
Examples:
* I have a few friends.
* A few students were present.
* She purchased a few books.
Meaning: At least some are available.
### 7.7 The Few
'The few' refers to a particular small number of persons or things.
Examples:
* The few students who worked hard passed the examination.
* I spent the few rupees I had.
* The few friends I have are very helpful.
### Difference Between Few, A Few and The Few
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
| ---------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| Few | Almost none | Few students attended. |
| A few | Some | A few students attended. |
| The few | Particular small number | The few students who attended were rewarded. |
Important for exams
Remember:
* Few = Negative meaning
* A few = Positive meaning
* The few = Definite small number
### 7.8 Little
'Little' is used with uncountable nouns and means almost none.
Examples:
* There is little hope of success.
* He has little knowledge of English.
* We have little time.
### 7.9 A Little
'A little' means some amount, though not much.
Examples:
* I have a little money.
* There is a little milk in the jug.
* She has a little knowledge of English.
### 7.10 The Little
'The little' refers to a particular small amount.
Examples:
* The little money he had was stolen.
* He spent the little time available to him.
* The little knowledge I have is useful.
### Difference Between Little, A Little and The Little
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
| ---------- | ----------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Little | Almost none | He has little money. |
| A little | Some amount | He has a little money. |
| The little | Particular small amount | The little money he had was spent. |
Important Examination Rule:
* Few, A few and The few → Countable plural nouns.
* Little, A little and The little → Uncountable nouns.
### 7.11 Several
'Several' means more than two but not a very large number.
It is used with plural countable nouns.
Examples:
* Several students were absent.
* I have read several books.
* Several people attended the function.
### 7.12 Enough
'Enough' means sufficient or as much as necessary.
Examples:
* We have enough food.
* There are enough chairs.
* She has enough money.
* There is enough water for everyone.
Important Rule: Enough is generally placed before a noun.
Examples:
* Enough time
* Enough money
* Enough students
However, when modifying an adjective or adverb, it comes after it.
Examples:
* He is intelligent enough.
* She runs fast enough.
### 7.13 All
'All' refers to the entire number or quantity of something.
Examples:
* All students were present.
* All the books are useful.
* All the water has been consumed.
* All of them are intelligent.
### 7.14 Both
'Both' refers to two persons or things together.
Examples:
* Both boys are intelligent.
* Both books are useful.
* Both my parents are teachers.
Rule: Both is used for two, not more than two.
### 7.15 No
'No' indicates the absence of something or somebody.
Examples:
* There is no water in the bottle.
* No student was absent.
* I have no money.
* There is no doubt about his honesty.
Important Rule: Do not normally use another negative word with 'no' in standard affirmative constructions.
Incorrect: I have no nothing.
Correct: I have nothing.
### 8\. Numeral Determiners
Numeral determiners indicate the number or order of persons and things.
They are divided into two major categories:
* Cardinal Numerals
* Ordinal Numerals
### 8.1 Cardinal Numerals
Cardinal numbers indicate the exact number of persons or things.
Examples:
* One boy
* Two girls
* Three books
* Four chairs
* Five students
* Ten players
Sentences:
* I have two brothers.
* She purchased five books.
* Ten students passed the examination.
### 8.2 Ordinal Numerals
Ordinal numbers indicate the position or order of something.
Examples:
* First
* Second
* Third
* Fourth
* Fifth
* Sixth
* Tenth
* Twentieth
* Hundredth
Sentences:
* He secured the first position.
* This is my second attempt.
* She lives on the third floor.
Important Rule: Ordinal numbers are generally preceded by 'the' when they identify a specific position.
Examples:
* The first chapter
* The second question
* The third student
### 8.3 Multiplicative Determiners
These indicate how many times something is multiplied.
Examples:
* Double
* Triple
* Quadruple
Sentences:
* He received double salary.
* The production increased threefold.
* The company made a triple profit.
### 9\. Distributive Determiners
Distributive determiners refer to individual members of a group.
The main distributive determiners are:
* Each
* Every
* Either
* Neither
### 9.1 Each
'Each' refers to every individual member of a group considered separately.
Examples:
* Each student received a certificate.
* Each boy has a book.
* Each candidate must bring an identity card.
Important Rules:
* Each is followed by a singular countable noun.
* It generally takes a singular verb when used as a subject.
Examples:
* Each student is present.
* Each child has a pencil.
### 9.2 Every
'Every' refers to all members of a group individually.
Examples:
* Every student must attend the class.
* Every child needs love.
* Every teacher should be punctual.
Important Rules:
* Every is followed by a singular countable noun.
* It generally takes a singular verb.
* Every is not normally used directly with a plural noun.
Incorrect: Every students are present.
Correct: Every student is present.
### 9.3 Either
'Either' means one or the other of two persons or things.
Examples:
* You can take either book.
* Either answer is correct.
* Either road leads to the village.
Important Rule: Either is generally used for two alternatives.
### 9.4 Neither
'Neither' means not one and not the other of two persons or things.
Examples:
* Neither boy is present.
* Neither answer is correct.
* Neither road is safe.
### Difference Between Each and Every
| Each | Every |
| ---------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Focuses on individuals separately. | Refers to all members individually. |
| Can refer to two or more. | Generally refers to three or more. |
| Each student is intelligent. | Every student is intelligent. |
| Each of the boys is present. | Every one of the boys is present. |
### Difference Between Either and Neither
* Either = One of the two.
* Neither = Not one and not the other.
Examples:
* Either of the two answers is correct.
* Neither of the two answers is correct.
Examination Alert: Each of, either of and neither of are followed by a plural noun or pronoun, but the verb is normally singular in formal examination grammar.
Examples:
* Each of the students is present.
* Either of the boys is responsible.
* Neither of them has arrived.
### 10\. Interrogative Determiners
Interrogative determiners are used before nouns to ask questions.
The main interrogative determiners are:
* What
* Which
* Whose
### 10.1 What
'What' is used to ask questions about the identity, nature or type of something.
Examples:
* What subject do you teach?
* What book are you reading?
* What colour do you like?
* What time is it?
### 10.2 Which
'Which' is used when asking someone to select from a limited number of persons or things.
Examples:
* Which book do you want?
* Which subject is your favourite?
* Which road should we take?
* Which candidate has been selected?
### 10.3 Whose
'Whose' is used to ask about ownership or possession.
Examples:
* Whose pen is this?
* Whose book are you reading?
* Whose house is that?
* Whose mobile phone is missing?
### Difference Between What and Which
| What | Which |
| ----------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| Used for an open or general choice. | Used for a limited or known choice. |
| What is your favourite subject? | Which subject do you prefer, English or Urdu? |
| What is your name? | Which of these books is yours? |
Important: What, Which and Whose are interrogative determiners when they come before nouns.
Examples:
* Which book is yours?
* What colour do you prefer?
* Whose bag is this?
When they stand independently without a noun, they function as interrogative pronouns.
Examples:
* Which is yours?
* What happened?
* Whose is this?
### 11\. Relative Determiners
Relative determiners introduce relative clauses and specify a noun in relation to a previously mentioned idea.
The most important example is 'whose'.
Examples:
* I met a boy whose father is a doctor.
* She knows a girl whose brother works in Delhi.
* We visited a family whose house was damaged.
Important: Whose is used to show possession and can refer to people and, in certain constructions, things.
Example:
\- This is a company whose products are famous.
### 12\. Difference and Similarity Determiners
These determiners indicate whether persons or things are similar or different.
Important words include:
* Other
* Another
* The other
* Others
* The others
* Same
* Such
### 12.1 Other
'Other' means additional or different.
Examples:
* I need other books.
* Other students were absent.
* Do you have any other questions?
It is commonly used before plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns.
### 12.2 Another
'Another' means one more or an additional one.
It is used with singular countable nouns.
Examples:
* Give me another chance.
* I need another pen.
* She bought another book.
Important Rule: Another = An + Other.
It is normally followed by a singular countable noun.
Incorrect: Give me another books.
Correct: Give me another book.
### 12.3 The Other
'The other' refers to the remaining person or thing from a known group, particularly when two are involved.
Examples:
* One hand is injured; the other hand is fine.
* I have two pens. One is black and the other is blue.
### 12.4 Others
'Others' is a plural pronoun meaning other people or things.
Examples:
* Some students are intelligent, while others are hardworking.
* Some people like tea; others prefer coffee.
Important: Others is generally not placed directly before a noun.
Incorrect: Others students are absent.
Correct: Other students are absent.
### 12.5 The Others
'The others' refers to the remaining members of a particular group.
Examples:
* Three students passed; the others failed.
* Two books are mine; the others belong to my brother.
### 12.6 Same
'Same' indicates identity or similarity.
Examples:
* We study in the same school.
* They belong to the same family.
* Both students gave the same answer.
Important Rule: Same is generally preceded by 'the'.
Examples:
* The same book
* The same person
* The same question
### 12.7 Such
'Such' indicates a particular kind or type.
Examples:
* Such people are difficult to find.
* I have never seen such a beautiful place.
* Such behaviour is unacceptable.
Important Rule: Such is used before a noun phrase.
Examples:
* Such a beautiful girl.
* Such an interesting book.
* Such good students.
### 13\. Important Differences Between Commonly Confused Determiners
This section is particularly important for competitive examinations because questions are frequently asked through error detection and fill-in-the-blanks.
### 13.1 Some vs Any
| Some | Any |
| ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| Generally used in affirmative sentences. | Generally used in negative and interrogative sentences. |
| I have some books. | I do not have any books. |
| There is some milk. | Is there any milk? |
### 13.2 Much vs Many
| Much | Many |
| ---------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Used with uncountable nouns. | Used with plural countable nouns. |
| Much water | Many students |
| Much money | Many books |
| Much information | Many questions |
### 13.3 Few vs Little
| Few | Little |
| --------------------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| Used with plural countable nouns. | Used with uncountable nouns. |
| Few students | Little water |
| Few books | Little money |
| Few people | Little knowledge |
### 13.4 Each vs Every
* Each student is responsible.
* Every student is responsible.
* Each of the students is intelligent.
* Every one of the students is intelligent.
Remember that 'each' focuses more strongly on individual members, while 'every' emphasizes all members of a group.
### 13.5 Either vs Neither
* Either answer is acceptable.
* Neither answer is acceptable.
Either indicates one of two alternatives, whereas neither indicates not one and not the other.
### 13.6 Another vs Other
| Another | Other |
| --------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Generally used with singular countable nouns. | Used with plural countable or uncountable nouns. |
| Another student | Other students |
| Another book | Other books |
| Another chance | Other information |
### 13.7 All vs Whole
All refers to the entire quantity or number.
Examples:
* All the students were present.
* All the water was consumed.
Whole refers to something complete or entire.
Examples:
* The whole country celebrated.
* I read the whole book.
Compare:
* All the day (not normally used in standard English for this meaning).
* The whole day.
* All day.
* All the students.
* The whole class.
### 13.8 Both vs All
* Both is used for two persons or things.
* All is used for three or more, or the complete quantity.
Examples:
* Both boys are intelligent.
* All the boys are intelligent.
### 13.9 Either vs Each
* Either generally refers to one of two alternatives.
* Each considers members individually and can refer to two or more.
Examples:
* Either road is suitable.
* Each student received a prize.
### 14\. Important Rules of Determiners for Competitive Exams
The following rules are especially useful for solving objective questions.
Rule 1: A and An are used with singular countable nouns.
Correct: He is a teacher.
Incorrect: He is an teacher.
Rule 2: Many is used with plural countable nouns.
Correct: Many students are present.
Incorrect: Much students are present.
Rule 3: Much is used with uncountable nouns.
Correct: Much water is wasted.
Incorrect: Many water is wasted.
Rule 4: Few is used with plural countable nouns.
Correct: Few people attended the meeting.
Rule 5: Little is used with uncountable nouns.
Correct: There is little hope of success.
Rule 6: Each and Every take singular nouns.
Correct: Every student is intelligent.
Incorrect: Every students are intelligent.
Rule 7: Both is used for two persons or things.
Correct: Both sisters are teachers.
Rule 8: Neither is used for two negative alternatives.
Correct: Neither answer is correct.
Rule 9: Another is used before a singular countable noun.
Correct: I need another chance.
Rule 10: Other is used before plural countable or uncountable nouns.
Correct: Other students are waiting.
Rule 11: A number of takes a plural verb.
Example: A number of students are absent.
Rule 12: The number of takes a singular verb.
Example: The number of students is increasing.
Rule 13: One of is followed by a plural noun and a singular verb.
Example: One of my friends is a doctor.
Rule 14: Either of and Neither of are generally followed by plural nouns or pronouns, with a singular verb in formal examination grammar.
Examples:
* Either of the two boys is suitable.
* Neither of the students is absent.
Rule 15: Enough comes before a noun.
Example: We have enough money.
Rule 16: Enough comes after an adjective.
Example: He is strong enough.
Rule 17: Such is used before an adjective + noun phrase.
Example: She is such an intelligent girl.
Rule 18: Same is generally preceded by the.
Example: We live in the same village.
Rule 19: Possessive determiners come before nouns.
Example: This is my book.
Rule 20: Demonstrative determiners agree with the number of the noun.
* This boy
* That boy
* These boys
* Those boys
### 15\. Order of Determiners
When more than one determiner is used before a noun, they generally follow a particular order.
The common pattern is:
Predeterminer + Central Determiner + Postdeterminer + Adjective + Noun
Examples:
* All my three brothers are teachers.
* Both the two statements were incorrect.
* My first two attempts were successful.
A useful general arrangement is:
| Position | Examples |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Predeterminers | All, Both, Half |
| Central determiners | The, A, My, This, Some |
| Postdeterminers | One, Two, First, Second, Many, Several |
Examples:
* All my books are useful.
* Both the students passed.
* My first three chapters are complete.
* Half the work is finished.
Important Note: Not every determiner can be combined with every other determiner. For example, we normally say 'my book', not 'the my book'.
### 16\. Countable and Uncountable Nouns with Determiners
A good understanding of countable and uncountable nouns is essential for using determiners correctly.
### 16.1 Countable Nouns
Countable nouns refer to things that can be counted individually.
Examples:
* Book
* Pen
* Chair
* Student
* Apple
* House
Common determiners used with countable nouns:
* A / An
* Many
* Few
* A few
* Several
* Each
* Every
* Both
* Either
* Neither
* Some
* Any
* Enough
### 16.2 Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns refer to substances, materials, concepts or qualities that are not normally counted individually.
Examples:
* Water
* Milk
* Rice
* Sugar
* Information
* Advice
* Knowledge
* Furniture
* Luggage
* Equipment
* Honesty
* Bread
Common determiners used with uncountable nouns:
* Much
* Little
* A little
* The little
* Some
* Any
* Enough
* All
* No
### Important Exam-Based Examples
| Incorrect | Correct |
| ---------------- | ---------------------- |
| Many information | Much information |
| Few water | Little water |
| An advice | A piece of advice |
| Many furniture | Much furniture |
| Few luggage | Little luggage |
| An equipment | A piece of equipment |
| Many rice | Much rice |
| An information | A piece of information |
Remember: Information, advice, furniture, luggage, equipment and knowledge are generally uncountable in standard English.
### 17\. Determiners and Subject-Verb Agreement
Determiners also influence subject-verb agreement in sentences.
Important examples:
| Subject | Correct verb |
| ---------------------- | ------------ |
| Each student | is |
| Every boy | is |
| Both students | are |
| Many students | are |
| Much water | is |
| Few people | are |
| Little information | is |
| Neither of them | is |
| Either of them | is |
| The number of students | is |
| A number of students | are |
Examples:
* Each of the boys is intelligent.
* Every student has a book.
* Both girls are present.
* Much of the work is complete.
* Few people know the answer.
* Neither of the candidates is suitable.
### 18\. Common Errors in Determiners
Identify the incorrect expressions and learn their correct forms.
| Incorrect sentence | Correct sentence |
| --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Every students are present. | Every student is present. |
| Much people attended the meeting. | Many people attended the meeting. |
| Many water is wasted. | Much water is wasted. |
| I have few money. | I have little money. |
| He has little friends. | He has few friends. |
| She gave me an advice. | She gave me a piece of advice. |
| Give me another books. | Give me another book. |
| Both the two boys are absent. | Both boys are absent. |
| Each boys has a pen. | Each boy has a pen. |
| Neither boys is present. | Neither boy is present. |
| This books are expensive. | These books are expensive. |
| I have much friends. | I have many friends. |
| These kind of books are useful. | This kind of book is useful. |
| He is same man. | He is the same man. |
| She has a few knowledge. | She has a little knowledge. |
### 19\. Important Determiners-Based One-Liners for Competitive Exams
* How many articles are there in English? — Three.
* Name the three articles. — A, An and The.
* Which article is called the definite article? — The.
* Which articles are called indefinite articles? — A and An.
* Which determiner is used with plural countable nouns to indicate a large number? — Many.
* Which determiner is used with uncountable nouns to indicate quantity? — Much.
* Which determiner has a negative meaning: Few or A Few? — Few.
* Which determiner has a positive meaning: Little or A Little? — A Little.
* Which determiner is used for two persons or things together? — Both.
* Which determiner means not one and not the other? — Neither.
* Which determiner is used to indicate ownership? — Possessive determiner.
* Name four demonstrative determiners. — This, That, These, Those.
* Which determiner is used to ask about ownership? — Whose.
* Which determiner is used for individual members of a group? — Each.
* Which determiner generally refers to all members individually? — Every.
* Which determiner means one more? — Another.
* Which determiner is used before a superlative adjective? — The.
* Which article is used before a vowel sound? — An.
* Which article is used before a consonant sound? — A.
* Which determiner is used with uncountable nouns to indicate an insufficient quantity? — Little.
* Which determiner means a particular small number? — The few.
* Which determiner means a particular small quantity? — The little.
* Which determiner indicates the complete quantity? — All.
* Which determiner is used before a noun to indicate selection from a limited choice? — Which.
* Which determiner is generally used with singular countable nouns to indicate one or the other of two? — Either.
### 20\. Practice Set: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Directions: Choose the most appropriate determiner to complete each sentence.
1. There are ______ students in the classroom.
(A) Much (B) Many (C) Little (D) Any
2. I have ______ money in my pocket.
(A) A few (B) Few (C) A little (D) Many
3. ______ student must obey the rules.
(A) Every (B) Many (C) Several (D) Both
4. He is ______ honest man.
(A) A (B) An (C) The (D) No article
5. She has ______ friends in the city.
(A) Much (B) A little (C) A few (D) Little
6. There is not ______ milk in the bottle.
(A) Many (B) Much (C) Few (D) Several
7. ______ of the two boys is intelligent.
(A) Every (B) Either (C) All (D) Many
8. I have two pens. One is blue and ______ is black.
(A) Another (B) Other (C) The other (D) Others
9. ______ books are lying on the table near me.
(A) This (B) That (C) These (D) Much
10. ______ information you gave me was useful.
(A) Many (B) Few (C) The little (D) A few
11. He has ______ knowledge of computer science.
(A) A few (B) A little (C) Many (D) Few
12. ______ of the students has submitted the assignment.
(A) Each (B) Many (C) Both (D) Several
13. She bought ______ umbrella yesterday.
(A) A (B) An (C) The (D) No article
14. ______ the students were present at the meeting.
(A) Both (B) Much (C) Little (D) Every
15. I do not have ______ questions to ask.
(A) Some (B) Any (C) Much (D) Little
16. He is ______ university student.
(A) An (B) A (C) The (D) No article
17. ______ students who attended the class were rewarded.
(A) The few (B) Much (C) Little (D) Every
18. ______ book is yours, this one or that one?
(A) What (B) Which (C) Whose (D) How
19. She is ______ intelligent girl.
(A) Such (B) So (C) Such an (D) Very
20. There is ______ hope of his recovery.
(A) Few (B) A few (C) Little (D) Many
21. ______ of my parents is a teacher.
(A) Both (B) Each (C) Many (D) Several
22. He gave me ______ useful advice.
(A) Many (B) A few (C) Some (D) An
23. ______ sun rises in the east.
(A) A (B) An (C) The (D) No article
24. I need ______ pair of shoes.
(A) Other (B) Another (C) Others (D) The others
25. ______ of the candidates has qualified.
(A) Neither (B) Many (C) Both (D) Several
26. There are ______ ways to solve this problem.
(A) Much (B) Little (C) Several (D) A little
27. ______ house belongs to my uncle.
(A) These (B) Those (C) This (D) Many
28. ______ students in this class are hardworking.
(A) Much (B) Most (C) Every (D) Each
29. I have read ______ the chapters of this book.
(A) All (B) Every (C) Each (D) Much
30. ______ bag is this?
(A) Which (B) What (C) Whose (D) Every
### 21\. Answer Key with Explanations
| Q. No. | Answer | Explanation |
| ------ | -------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| 1 | B – Many | Used with plural countable nouns. |
| 2 | C – A little | Used with uncountable nouns in a positive sense. |
| 3 | A – Every | Followed by a singular noun. |
| 4 | B – An | Honest begins with a vowel sound. |
| 5 | C – A few | Used with plural countable nouns. |
| 6 | B – Much | Milk is uncountable. |
| 7 | B – Either | Refers to one of two. |
| 8 | C – The other | Refers to the remaining one of two. |
| 9 | C – These | Used with nearby plural nouns. |
| 10 | C – The little | Refers to a particular small amount. |
| 11 | B – A little | Knowledge is uncountable. |
| 12 | A – Each | Followed by a singular verb. |
| 13 | B – An | Umbrella begins with a vowel sound. |
| 14 | A – Both | Refers to two groups or persons. |
| 15 | B – Any | Commonly used in negative sentences. |
| 16 | B – A | University begins with a consonant /y/ sound. |
| 17 | A – The few | Refers to a particular small number. |
| 18 | B – Which | Used for a limited choice. |
| 19 | C – Such an | Correct structure: such + an + adjective + noun. |
| 20 | C – Little | Indicates almost no hope. |
| 21 | B – Each | Each of takes a singular verb. |
| 22 | C – Some | Advice is uncountable. |
| 23 | C – The | Used before unique things. |
| 24 | B – Another | Indicates an additional pair. |
| 25 | A – Neither | Refers to neither of two candidates. |
| 26 | C – Several | Used with plural countable nouns. |
| 27 | C – This | Used with a singular noun nearby. |
| 28 | B – Most | Indicates the majority of students. |
| 29 | A – All | Refers to the complete number of chapters. |
| 30 | C – Whose | Asks about ownership. |
### 22\. Error Detection Practice
Identify the part of each sentence that contains an error.
1. Every students / should respect / their teachers / No error.
2. He has / much friends / in his village / No error.
3. I have / a little books / on English grammar / No error.
4. Neither of the boys / are present / in the classroom / No error.
5. She is / an university student / of Kashmir University / No error.
6. There are / much difficulties / in this work / No error.
7. Each of the candidates / have submitted / the application form / No error.
8. I need / another books / for my preparation / No error.
9. These type of questions / are frequently asked / in competitive examinations / No error.
10. The number of students / are increasing / every year / No error.
### Answers and Corrections
* Every students → Every student.
* Much friends → Many friends.
* A little books → A few books.
* Are present → Is present.
* An university → A university.
* Much difficulties → Many difficulties.
* Have submitted → Has submitted.
* Another books → Another book.
* These type → This type.
* Are increasing → Is increasing.
### 23\. Fill in the Blanks: Advanced Practice
Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners.
* ______ of the two sisters is a doctor.
* There is ______ sugar left in the container.
* ______ student should bring his or her identity card.
* I have visited ______ countries in Asia.
* ______ of the information was incorrect.
* He has ______ patience with children.
* ______ people believe in hard work.
* She purchased ______ orange and two apples.
* ______ students were selected for the interview.
* I have ______ books on English literature.
* ______ of these two roads leads to the railway station?
* There is not ______ time left.
* ______ child needs proper education.
* I have ______ knowledge of French.
* ______ of the candidates has received the appointment letter.
Answers:
* Either
* Little / A little (depending on intended meaning)
* Every
* Several
* Some
* Little / A little (depending on intended meaning)
* Many
* An
* Several
* Many / Some
* Which
* Much
* Every
* A little
* Neither / Each (depending on intended meaning)
### 24\. Most Important Points to Remember Before the Examination
* A and An depend on sounds, not letters.
* The is known as the definite article.
* A and An are indefinite articles.
* Many is used with plural countable nouns.
* Much is used with uncountable nouns.
* Few has a negative meaning.
* A few has a positive meaning.
* The few refers to a particular small number.
* Little has a negative meaning.
* A little has a positive meaning.
* The little refers to a particular small amount.
* Each and Every are followed by singular countable nouns.
* Both refers to two persons or things.
* Either means one of two.
* Neither means not one and not the other.
* Another means one more.
* Other means additional or different.
* The other refers to the remaining one.
* Some is generally used in affirmative sentences.
* Any is generally used in negative and interrogative sentences.
* Whose indicates possession.
* Which indicates a choice from a limited number.
* Enough means sufficient.
* Same is generally preceded by The.
* Information, advice, furniture and luggage are uncountable nouns.
* One of is followed by a plural noun and a singular verb.
* The number of takes a singular verb.
* A number of takes a plural verb.
* All indicates the entire quantity or number.
* Most indicates the majority.
### 25\. Conclusion
Determiners are an essential part of English grammar and play an important role in competitive examinations. Questions based on articles, quantifiers, demonstrative determiners, possessive determiners and distributive determiners frequently appear in objective English sections.
Candidates preparing for SSC, JKSSB, JKPSC, Banking, CTET, TET, Railway and other competitive examinations should pay special attention to the differences between:
*
