Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Who invented ___ radio?
2026
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Who invented ___ radio?
Answer: A. the — ConceptArticles show whether a singular noun is being mentioned generally or as a specific, identifiable referent. The definite article “the” marks a specific…
- A.
the
- B.
an
- C.
a
- D.
of
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Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
Articles show whether a singular noun is being mentioned generally or as a specific, identifiable referent.
The definite article “the” marks a specific or uniquely identifiable noun phrase. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” introduce a non-specific singular count noun; their choice depends on the following sound.
Application
In “Who invented ___ radio?”, “radio” refers to the particular invention or technology as an identifiable referent. Standard English therefore uses the definite noun phrase “the radio”: “Who invented the radio?”
Contrast
“the” is the definite article used for a specific or identifiable noun phrase.
“an” is an indefinite article used before a singular count noun beginning with a vowel sound.
“a” is an indefinite article used before a singular count noun beginning with a consonant sound.
“of” is a preposition and cannot function as an article before “radio” in this sentence.
Result
The completed sentence is “Who invented the radio?”, so the required word is “the”.