English Grammar – Determiners exercises Exercises with Answers
Exercises on Determiners – Determiners are essential to the English language as they provide nouns with context, specificity, and clarity. Articles, demonstratives, possessives, quantifiers, numerals, and more are among the many categories of determiners they encompass. Understanding determiners improves a person’s capacity to communicate concepts clearly and succinctly both in written and spoken forms. In this article “exercises on determiners”, we will explore the functions, types, and usage of determiners through exercises designed to strengthen comprehension and application.
What are Determiners?
In grammar, determiners are a type of words that appear before a noun to describe the scene or explain the noun in terms of ownership, amount, definiteness, or specificity. They help in identifying the specific object or things to which a sentence is referring. Words such as articles (“the,” “a,” “an”), demonstratives (“this,” “that,” “these,” “those”), possessives (“my,” “your,” “his,” “her,” “its,” “our,” “their”), quantifiers (“some,” “many,” “few,” “several”), and numerals (“one,” “two,” “three”) are examples of determiners and can be used to express ideas. They are an integral aspect of English syntax and have a significant impact on how a noun phrase is understood.
Functions of Determiners
Determiners serve several functions in a sentence:
Specifier: Determiners specify which particular noun is being referred to or provide information about its identity, quantity, or quality. For example:, “The book” specifies a particular book., “Some apples” specifies an unspecified quantity of apples., “My car” specifies ownership.
Quantifier: Determiners indicate the quantity or amount of the noun. For example, “Many books” indicates a large quantity of books., “Few people” indicates a small quantity of people.
Definiteness: Determiners indicate whether the noun is specific or nonspecific. For example: “A book” is nonspecific, referring to any book., “The book” is specific, referring to a particular book.
Possession: Some determiners indicate possession or ownership. For example:”Her pen” indicates that the pen belongs to her.
Demonstration: Determiners can demonstrate proximity or distance. For example:”This house” indicates proximity, “That house” indicates distance.
Quantity and Distribution: Determiners can indicate the quantity or distribution of nouns. For example:”Each student” indicates distribution among individual students., “Every day” indicates the frequency of occurrence.
Types of Determiners
- Articles: Articles are a type of determiner that specify definiteness or indefiniteness of a noun. There are two articles in English: “the” (definite article) and “a/an” (indefinite articles).
- Demonstratives: Demonstrative determiners indicate the proximity or distance of a noun in relation to the speaker or listener.Examples: “this,” “that,” “these,” “those”
- Possessives: Possessive determiners indicate possession or ownership of a noun.Examples: “my,” “your,” “his,” “her,” “its,” “our,” “their”
- Quantifiers: Quantifier determiners specify the quantity or amount of a noun. Examples: “some,” “any,” “many,” “few,” “several,” “all,” “none,” “each,” “every,” “both,” “either,” “neither”
- Numerals: Numerals are determiners that express numbers or numerical order. Examples: “one,” “two,” “three,” “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.
- Interrogatives: Interrogative determiners are used to ask questions about a noun. Examples: “which,” “what,” “whose”
- Distributives: Distributive determiners indicate individual members of a group or distribute the noun among several entities.Examples: “each,” “every,” “either,” “neither”
- Predeterminers: Predeterminers precede other determiners and modify their meaning by expressing a specific quantity or amount. Examples: “half,” “both,” “all,” “twice”
- Their house is bigger than hers.
- Every student must complete his or her homework.
- Many people believe that money can’t buy happiness.
- The cat chased its tail.
- Some birds migrate long distances each year.
- Every morning, I take my dog for a walk.
- Some of the cookies were missing from the jar.
- That dress looks beautiful on you.
- The children need to clean their rooms.
- All the players on the team were exhausted after the game.
- Several people have recommended that restaurant to me.
- Few politicians are trusted by the public these days.
- Each member of the group received a prize.
- Her performance was the best in the entire competition.
- A little kindness can go a long way.
- The flowers in this garden are the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
- Both my parents are teachers.
- Any student who did not finish the test can stay after school.
- This is the only chance we have to see the exhibit.
- These are the same shoes I wanted to buy.
- Can you please deliver those novels I left in the yard?
- These are some of my chickens.
- We welcomed a few co-workers to our home for a cookout.
- Every one of my groupmates knows my anniversary, but none of them sincerely wish me.
- What credentials do you really have?
- Their, her
- Every, his
- Many
- The, its
- Some, each
- Every, my
- Some, the
- That
- The, their
- All, the
- Several, that
- Few
- Each
- Her
- A little
- The, this
- Both, my
- Any
- This, the
- These
- Those
- These, my
- A few
- Every, none
- What
- Can you pass me ____ salt, please?
- I don’t have ____ idea why she left the party so early.
- ____ children are playing in the park.
- She hasn’t got ____ money left after buying the car.
- ____ of the students in the class passed the exam.
- ____ apple a day keeps the doctor away.
- I would like to buy ____ new shoes, but I can’t afford them right now.
- ____ books on the shelf are covered in dust.
- He drank ____ water he could find because he was so thirsty.
- They brought ____ own snacks to the movie.
- ____ peasant is plowing the field.
- ____ are some of my school pals.
- ____ cat is a descendant of one of ____ rare breeds.
- ____ is my issue, and I am equipped to handle this.
- ____ marker is this?
- ____ countries want to be self-reliant.
- I saw ____ adverse event of ____ vehicle.
- ____ are dogs.
- ____ household is a cheerful bunch.
- They have ____ fans on Instagram.
- I have ____ brothers and one sister.
- She wants to travel around ____ world.
- ____ of my friends are planning to study abroad.
- ____ time we spend together is precious.
- Could you please give me ____ information about the tour?
- the
- any
- The
- any
- All
- An
- some
- The
- all the
- their
- The
- these
- This, the
- This
- Whose
- All
- an, a
- These
- Your
- a lot of
- Two
- The
- Some
- The
- some
- Megan finished her project with ________ (this/these) drawing pens.
- Today we had________ Biryani( much/ enough)
- Priyansh drew ___________ painting. (that/much)
- The ebook is owned by ___. (him/hims)
- Could you please give me___ (the/an) laptop?
- Jack came__________ (first/one) in the classroom.
- Manny is _______ (a/an) obedient boy.
- The chairman called _______ (that/some) individuals to his room.
- Do you remember __ (whom/whose) sweater this is?
- The Sultanate Era in India is represented by _________ (an/the) Qutub Minar.
- She has (fewer/less) ________opportunities than her colleagues.
- (Many/Much) ________people were waiting outside the concert hall.
- There are (fewer/less) ________apples in this basket than in that one.
- I have (many/more)________ reasons to be happy today.
- (Fewer/Less)________ than ten participants showed up for the event.
- He has (many/more) ________books than I do.
- There was (much/many) ________excitement about the new product launch.
- The (fewer/less) ________mistakes you make, the better your work will be.
- This city has (fewer/less) ________parks than my hometown.
- (Many/Much)________ of the land here is used for farming.
- She received (many/more) ________votes than any other candidate.
- (Fewer/Less)________ than a quarter of the applicants were accepted.
- There are (many/more)________ ways to solve this problem.
- (Many/Much) ________of the evidence was inconclusive.
- We should spend (fewer/less)________ money on things we don’t need.
- These
- Enough
- That
- Him
- The
- First
- An
- Some
- Whose
- The
- fewer
- Many
- fewer
- many
- less
- more
- much
- less
- fewer
- Much
- more
- Less
- more
- Much
- less
- The car was parked in front of the dilapidated brick building.
- This cat is the one I was telling you about.
- Max wondered aloud which taxi would arrive first.
- Gerald met his partner at a work event.
- Let’s go to that restaurant again.
- Where do your ideas for your writing come from?
- Mirin hasn’t seen many movies lately.
- These are my childhood friends.
- Do you want an extension to finish the major project?
- Working from a café is a great option—if you order food or coffee and can find a table near an electrical outlet.
- We can’t see the lake because of these trees.
- I made it to the pool to swim laps several days last week.
- It is not your fault. I failed to apply brakes.
- I met a person yesterday mistakenly.
- His father went outside of the city for a few days.
- In those days, Enid wore a lot of bright colors.
- A few days back, we saw a huge lion in the forest.
- This drink is disgusting!
- What kind of person does something like that?
- Each table in the cafeteria has a napkin dispenser on it.
- Which color do you prefer, blue or red?
- I have a lot of books in my room
- There are few things Xan enjoys more than mint chocolate-chip ice cream.
- Whose shoes were left outside on the lawn?
- Be sure both kids get a bath tonight.
- Article (the)
- Demonstrative (this)
- Interrogative (which)
- Possessive (his)
- Demonstrative (that)
- Possessive (your)
- Quantifying (many)
- Demonstrative (these)
- Article (an, the)
- Article (a,an)
- Demonstrative (these)
- Quantifying (several)
- Possessive (your)
- Article (a)
- Possessive (his)
- Demonstrative (those)
- Article (a, the)
- Demonstrative (this)
- Interrogative (what)
- Distributive (each)
- Interrogative (which)
- Quantifying (a lot)
- Quantifying (few)
- Interrogative (whose)
- Distributive (both)
- ………………… books are missing from the library.
- She has not solved ………………… sums.
- This book is mine but ………………… book is yours.
- ………………… boys have done their work.
- He didn’t make ………………… progress.
- He has forgotten ………………… of the details.
- The minister visited ………………… flood-affected area.
- ………………… villa is this?
- He is the ………………… boy who has joined this gym.
- I met her ………………… week.
- ………………… novel is very interesting.
- ………………… the boys joined the race.
- Suddenly ………………… lights went out.
- The dog is ………………… animal.
- ………………… people visit this temple now.
- She is ………………… good girl.
- Would you like to buy ………………… books?
- ………………… daughter is beautiful.
- I shall meet him the ………………… week.
- He has ………………… daughters.
- They had ………………… guests already.
- There was ………………… water in the jug.
- I agree with ………………… word he says.
- ………………… of the two girls should come here.
- ………………… answer is correct.
- (d) Some
- (b) any
- (a) that
- (b) These
- (c) much
- (d) some
- (b) every
- (c) Whose
- (a) first
- (c) this
- (b) This
- (b) All
- (c) the
- (c) an
- (c) Few
- (b) a
- (c) those
- (c) Your
- (d) next
- (b) two
- (b) some
- (c) a little
- (a) every
- (c) Either
- (b) Neither
Exercise Set 1: Identifying Determiners
a. Identify the determiners in the following sentences:-
Answers:
b. Fill in the blanks with the correct determiners:-
Answers:
Exercise Set 2: Correct Determiner
a. Choose the correct determiner to make the following sentences grammatically correct:-
Answers:
b. Identify the type of determiner in the following sentences:-
Answers:
Common Challenges and Pitfalls:
a. Misunderstanding Context:
It is normal to struggle with comprehending context when using determiners, especially when attempting to differentiate between “few” and “a few,” as well as “little” and “a little.” The subtle meanings that each provides in a certain situation are where the differences reside. “Few” implies a scarcity or insufficiency of the noun it modifies, while “a few” suggests adequacy despite being limited in quantity. Similarly, “little” signifies a lack or scarcity, whereas “a little” indicates a sufficient amount, albeit small. These minute differences are sometimes difficult for learners to understand, which can cause confusion or misinterpretation. In order to ensure accurate and efficient expression, mastery of determiners necessitates paying attention to contextual clues that explain the intended meaning. Therefore, it is essential for precise and clear communication to comprehend the subtle applications of determiners in various contexts.
b. Idiomatic Usage:
Learners face difficulties when it comes to idiomatic determiner use since some statements or phrases use articles (“a” or “the”) in ways that are fixed and not consistent with normal usage. For example, phrases like “have a seat,” “take a look,” and “make a difference” have established usages even if the determiners may not fit the usual determiner patterns. These idiomatic nuances can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand, which can cause confusion or improper usage when communicating. It is necessary to be familiar with the particular determiner usage of these idiomatic expressions in order to understand them, as they could deviate from literal interpretations or accepted grammar norms. Gaining expertise in such idiomatic usage improves language skills and makes it easier for learners to communicate informally or colloquially.
Exercise Set 3: Multiple choice questions
a. Choose the correct option for the following multiple choice questions:–
(a) A
(b) Any
(c) This
(d) Some
(a) much
(b) any
(c) more
(d) a
(a) that
(b) this
(c) any
(d) every
(a) That
(b) These
(c) Any
(d) A
(a) many
(b) some
(c) much
(d) every
(a) any
(b) every
(c) first
(d) some
(a) some
(b) every
(c) either
(d) any
(a) What
(b) Which
(c) Whose
(d) Any
(a) first
(b) every
(c) any
(d) some
(a) those
(b) any
(c) this
(d) first
(a) Some
(b) This
(c) Any
(d) Those
(a) Some
(b) All
(c) Few
(d) None of these
(a) an
(b) a
(c) the
(d) any
(a) the
(b) a
(c) an
(d) which
(a) A
(b) That
(c) Few
(d) Little
(a) an
(b) a
(c) any
(d) few
(a) this
(b) few
(c) those
(d) that
(a) A
(b) Any
(c) Your
(d) Many
(a) many
(b) any
(c) every
(d) next
(a) some
(b) two
(c) these
(d) which
(a) any
(b) some
(c) that
(d) first
(a) all
(b) which
(c) a little
(d) either
(a) every
(b) much
(c) an
(d) a few
(a) Some
(b) Every
(c) Either
(d) Each
(a) Many
(b) Neither
(c) Few
(d) What.
Answers:
b. Dialogue completion
Complete the following dialogues with appropriate determiners:-
Dialogue 1
Person 1: Did you bring _________ snacks for the picnic? I’m feeling quite hungry already.
Person 2: Yes, I brought _________ sandwiches and _________ (a) fruit salad. I also packed a bag of chips and _________ couple of cookies.
Person 1: Great! I forgot to bring _________ water bottle. Can I have some of your juice?
Answers:
Person 1: Did you bring any snacks for the picnic? I’m feeling quite hungry already.
Person 2: Yes, I brought some sandwiches and a fruit salad. I also packed a bag of chips and a couple of cookies.
Person 1: Great! I forgot to bring my water bottle. Can I have some of your juice?
Dialogue 2
Person 1: How was _________ concert last night? I heard it was quite an event.
Person 2: It was amazing! _________band played _________ new songs and _________ (the) audience loved them. _________ atmosphere was electric!
Person 1: I wish I could’ve gone. I heard the tickets sold out quickly. Maybe next time we can go together.
Answers:
Person 1: How was the concert last night? I heard it was quite an event.
Person 2: It was amazing! The band played some new songs and the audience loved them. The atmosphere was electric!
Person 1: I wish I could’ve gone. I heard the tickets sold out quickly. Maybe next time we can go together.
Dialogue 3
Person 1: I can’t find _________ keys anywhere!
Person 2: Did you check _________ pockets of _________ jacket?
Person 1: Yes, I did. I think I left them on the table in _________ living room.
Person 2: Let’s go look for them together. We’ll find _________ soon.
Answers:
Person 1: I can’t find my keys anywhere!
Person 2: Did you check those pockets of your jacket?
Person 1: Yes, I did. I think I left them on the table in the living room.
Person 2: Let’s go look for them together. We’ll find them soon.
Dialogue 4
Person 1: How many books did you buy at the bookstore?
Person 2: I bought _________ books. They had a great selection.
Person 1: That’s a lot! Did you get _________ novels?
Person 2: Yes, I bought _________ mystery novels and _________ science fiction books.
Person 1: Sounds like you had _________ successful trip.
Answers:
Person 1: How many books did you buy at the bookstore?
Person 2: I bought several books. They had a great selection.
Person 1: That’s a lot! Did you get any novels?
Person 2: Yes, I bought a few mystery novels and a couple of science fiction books.
Person 1: Sounds like you had a successful trip.
Dialogue 5
Person 1: Did you see _________ people at _________ party last night?
Person 2: No, there weren’t _________ of people. It was a small gathering.
Person 1: Did you have _________ fun though?
Person 2: Yes, despite _________ small crowd, we had a great time.
Person 1: That’s what matters most.
Answers:
Person 1: Did you see many people at the party last night?
Person 2: No, there weren’t a lot of people. It was a small gathering.
Person 1: Did you have any fun though?
Person 2: Yes, despite the small crowd, we had a great time.
Person 1: That’s what matters most.
Conclusion:
In summary, determiners serve a variety of purposes, including distribution, definiteness, quantification, possession, and specification. They can be found in many forms, including demonstratives, possessives, quantifiers, articles, and more. Through exercises and examples, we have seen how determiners function in sentences, identified them in various contexts, corrected their usage, and practiced using them appropriately. Using determiners makes it possible to explain concepts in a concise manner, which improves communication skills both oral and written. Maintaining practice and being acquainted with determiners helps to enhance one’s ability to communicate in everyday situations and to express meaning.
Also See :
Exercises of Tenses
Exercises on Prepositions
Exercises of Articles
Exercises of Simple Present Tense
Exercise of Adjectives
Exercise of Conjunctions
Exercise of Clauses
Exercises of Countable and Uncountable Nouns