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. ✔