GATE CS 2016 Set 2 Q.1 (GA Q.1): Verbal Ability and Grammar

The man who is now Municipal Commissioner worked as ____________________.

the security guard at a university

a security guard at the university

a security guard at university

the security guard at the university

Official answer and solution

Solution

Select the correct combination of indefinite and definite articles based on profession and institution context.

Profession/Role: When stating a person's profession or job title, the indefinite article "a" is used (for example, "he worked as a teacher", "she is a doctor"). Hence, "worked as a security guard" is grammatically correct rather than "worked as the security guard".

Institution: In this context, the specific university where the individual worked is referenced as a known entity, requiring the definite article "the university". Leaving "university" bare without an article ("at university") is used in British English for general student attendance rather than employment at a specific institution.

Combining both gives: "a security guard at the university".

Therefore, option (B) is the correct choice.

Final answer

Common trap

Choosing "the security guard" assuming the job is unique, or omitting the article before university.

The answer is the one in the official GATE answer key. The solution is this site's own explanation.

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