MAH-CET 2026 — English PYQ

Correct Answer: (b) an

Detailed Explanation

This question tests your knowledge of the rules governing indefinite articles ($a$ versus $an$).

The fundamental rule for choosing between these two articles does not depend on how a word is spelled, but rather on its initial sound:

$$\text{Rule 1: If a word begins with a consonant sound}⟹\text{Use the article "a"}$$

$$\text{Rule 2: If a word begins with a vowel sound}⟹\text{Use the article "an"}$$

Let's look closely at the word "honest":

• Spelling: It begins with the consonant letter 'h'.

• Pronunciation: The letter 'h' is completely silent. The word is pronounced as "on-ist" ($/\text{ˈɒn.ɪst}/$), which starts with a distinct vowel sound (the short 'o' sound).

• Because it produces an initial vowel sound, it strictly falls under Rule 2 and requires "an".

This perfectly matches the structure for option (b): "He is an honest man."