NIMCET 2013 — English PYQ

Correct Option: 2 ($isaMA$)

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the indefinite article. In English, the choice between "a" and "an" is determined by the sound of the following word, not just the letter it starts with.

• The Rule: Use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound ($a,e,i,o,u$).

• The Case of "MA": When we pronounce the abbreviation "MA", it sounds like "Em-A". The first sound is "Em" (starting with the vowel sound $/e/$).

• Correction: Since "MA" starts with a vowel sound, it must be preceded by "an".

  • Incorrect: $aMA$

  • Correct: $anMA$

Comparison

• BA: Pronounced as "Bee-A". It starts with a consonant sound ($/b/$), so "$aBA$" is correct.

• MA/MP/MLA: These all start with the "Em" or "El" sound (vowel sounds), so they take "an" (e.g., $anMP,anMLA$).

Corrected Sentence: $Myelderbrotheris\mathbf{an}MAwhereasIamonlyaBA.$