Choose the appropriate noun form to complete the sentence. I have no reason to…
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Choose the appropriate noun form to complete the sentence.
I have no reason to doubt her ________, it's just that I can't understand how it happened
- A.
a honesty
- B.
an honesty
- C.
honesty
- D.
the honesty
Attempted by 95 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Solution: The most appropriate noun form to complete the sentence is honesty.
Key rule: Use no article before abstract, uncountable nouns when referring to the quality in general.
Why the bare noun is correct: 'honesty' is an abstract, uncountable noun describing a general trait, so the sentence needs the noun without 'a', 'an', or 'the'.
Why 'a honesty' or 'an honesty' is incorrect: 'a' and 'an' require singular countable nouns; they cannot be used with uncountable abstract nouns like 'honesty' in this context.
When 'the honesty' would be appropriate: use 'the' only when referring to a specific instance or previously mentioned example of honesty (e.g., 'the honesty she showed in that interview').
Correct sentence: I have no reason to doubt her honesty, it's just that I can't understand how it happened.