Lesson 3.2: Articles & Prepositions

Introduction:
Articles and prepositions are crucial for SSC English exams. Proper usage improves sentence correctness and clarity.

1. Articles

• Definition: Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific.

Types of Articles:

1. Definite Article: The – Refers to a specific noun

   • Example: The book on the table is mine.

2. Indefinite Articles: A / An – Refers to a non-specific noun

   • A → before consonant sound: a cat, a book

   • An → before vowel sound: an apple, an hour

SSC Tips:

• “An” before vowel sound, not just vowel letter.

• Use articles only with countable nouns; uncountable nouns generally don’t use a/an.

2. Prepositions

• Definition: Prepositions show the relationship between a noun/pronoun and other words.

Common Prepositions & Usage:

1. Time: at (time), on (day/date), in (month/year/long period)

   • Example: at 5 pm, on Monday, in July

2. Place/Position: at, in, on

   • Example: at the bus stop, in the room, on the table

3. Direction/Movement: to, into, onto, towards

   • Example: Go to school, walk into the room

4. Other Relations: by, for, of, with

   • Example: Written by Ram, gift for you, son of Ram, play with friends

SSC Tips:

• Learn common prepositional phrases: in spite of, on behalf of, at least.

• Prepositions are usually followed by a noun or pronoun, not a verb.

3. Example Questions

1. Fill in the blank: I saw ___ eagle in the sky.

2. Correct the sentence: She arrived in 9 am. → She arrived ___ 9 am.

3. Choose the article: I bought ___ orange and ___ apple.

4. Fill in the blank with preposition: The cat is sitting ___ the table.

5. Correct the sentence: He goes to office by foot. → He goes ___ foot.