Fill in the blank with the correct article :
_____ tallest boy in the class has grey hair.

Question

Fill in the blank with the correct article : 
_____ tallest boy in the class has grey hair.

Accepted Answer

The correct article to fill in the blank is "The," as indicated by Option 3. Here's a detailed explanation supporting this choice:

1. **Explanation for Option 3 ("The"):**
   - "The" is a definite article used to refer to a specific noun that is already known to the reader or listener. In this sentence, "the tallest boy in the class" specifies a particular boy who is the tallest among all the boys in the class. The use of "the" indicates that both the speaker and the listener are aware of which boy is being referred to, as he is unique in being the tallest.

2. **Why Option 1 ("A") is incorrect:**
   - "A" is an indefinite article used before singular, countable nouns that are not specific or known to the listener. It is used when referring to any one of a group of similar items. In this context, "a tallest boy" would be incorrect because "tallest" implies a superlative degree, meaning there is only one tallest boy, making it a specific reference rather than an indefinite one.

3. **Why Option 2 ("An") is incorrect:**
   - "An" is also an indefinite article, similar to "a," but it is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. Like "a," it is used for non-specific nouns. Since "tallest" is a superlative adjective indicating a specific individual, "an" would not be appropriate here. Additionally, "tallest" does not begin with a vowel sound, so "an" is not suitable.

4. **Why Option 4 ("Zero article") is incorrect:**
   - The zero article refers to the absence of an article before a noun. This is typically used with plural nouns, uncountable nouns, or when speaking in general terms. In this sentence, the absence of an article would not be correct because "tallest boy in the class" is a specific reference to a particular individual, requiring the definite article "the" to indicate specificity.

In conclusion, Option 3 ("The") is the correct choice because it appropriately specifies the unique individual being referred to, aligning with the rules of English grammar regarding the use of definite articles with superlative adjectives.