Question

Which is ______ longest river in India?

• A. the
• B. a
• C. an
• D. No article

Hint:

Always use the definite article \textbf{“the”} before superlative adjectives such as longest, tallest, largest, or best.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the sentence structure.
The sentence asks about the longest river in India. The word “longest” is a superlative adjective. Superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more things and indicate the highest degree of a quality.

Step 2: Rule of superlative adjectives.
In English grammar, superlative adjectives such as longest, tallest, greatest, smallest are generally used with the definite article “the”. This is because the superlative refers to a specific and unique item within a group.

Step 3: Checking the options.

• (A) the: Correct. Superlative adjectives require the definite article “the”.
• (B) a: Incorrect. “A” is used for general or singular nouns, not with superlatives.
• (C) an: Incorrect. “An” is used before vowel sounds but not with superlatives.
• (D) No article: Incorrect. Superlative adjectives normally require “the”.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct sentence is: Which is the longest river in India?
Final Answer: the.