Fill in the blanks with appropriate Articles:
You are______ gem of______ person.
Correct Answer :
a, a
Solution :
The correct answer is a, a.
Let's break down the sentence step-by-step to understand why the indefinite article "a" is correct for both blanks:
1. First Blank ("______ gem"):
The word "gem" is a singular countable noun that begins with a consonant sound (/dʒ/). When referring to a singular countable noun in a general or descriptive sense, we use the indefinite article. Since it starts with a consonant sound, "a" is used instead of "an". Here, calling someone "a gem" means they are highly valued or wonderful.
2. Second Blank ("______ person"):
The word "person" is also a singular countable noun beginning with a consonant sound (/p/). In this phrase, it does not refer to a specific, previously identified individual, so the definite article "the" is not suitable. Instead, the indefinite article "a" is used to classify the type of person.
3. Idiomatic Structure:
The phrase "a gem of a person" follows a common idiomatic pattern in English: a/an [noun] + of + a/an [noun]. This structure is used to express praise or highlight a characteristic (for example, "a slip of a youth" or "a mountain of a man").
Therefore, putting both articles together gives the complete sentence: "You are a gem of a person."
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