Correct option is D
In the sentence, “Look! the storks are gobbling up the frogs,” both nouns are preceded by the definite article "the." This usage is correct only if the context implies that both the storks and the frogs are specific groups already known to the speaker and listener. The definite article "the" signals that the speaker is drawing attention to particular storks and particular frogs, perhaps ones visible to both the speaker and the listener at that moment. Therefore, the use of "the" before both nouns appropriately indicates specificity.
Information Booster
About the Grammar Rule — Definite Article with Specific Nouns:
Work/Author: Article usage rules are covered in fundamental grammar texts, such as "A Student’s Introduction to English Grammar" by Rodney Huddleston & Geoffrey K. Pullum.
Genre: English grammar, syntax, and usage.
Summary:
In English, the definite article "the" is used with both singular and plural nouns when the speaker or writer refers to specific, clearly identified persons, animals, or things. For example, “the storks” refers to storks present in the listener’s view or previously mentioned, while “the frogs” refers to a known group of frogs.
In this sentence, the exclamation "Look!" suggests the speaker and listener share visual access to the same storks and frogs, making specificity appropriate.
Additional Knowledge
Incorrect Options Explained:
(1) x, x: Omitting articles makes both nouns general (e.g., “storks are gobbling up frogs”). This is used for general truths or habits, but the presence of "Look!" suggests a specific situation, not a general one.
(2) x, the: Using "the" for only the frogs makes the frogs specific, but leaves "storks" general. In context, both groups are visually present, so both should be specific.
(3) the, x: Here, only "storks" is made specific, but the frogs are general. Given the exclamatory and situational context, both should be marked as definite.
English
150 Questions
150 Marks
150 Mins
