Articles, Prepositions & Conjunctions
Full Lesson - SSC GD English Section
Articles
Meaning
Articles are words placed before nouns to define them as specific or non-specific.
A
Indefinite
An
Indefinite
The
Definite
A / An (Indefinite Articles)
Used with general / non-specific things.
A → before consonant sounds
a boy, a cat, a university
(starts with u but sounds like yu →
consonant)
An → before vowel sounds
an apple, an officer, an hour
(h is silent, so vowel sound)
The (Definite Article)
Used for specific / known things.
Examples: the sun, the moon, the Taj Mahal, the Indian Ocean, the teacher you know
Common SSC GD Rules
✔ Use THE before:
- Unique things (sun, moon)
- Rivers, seas, oceans, deserts
- Musical instruments
- Superlatives (the best, the most)
✗ Never use articles before:
- Names (Ram, India)
- Languages (Hindi, English)
- Games (cricket, football)
Prepositions
Meaning
Prepositions show the relationship between words — usually place, time, direction.
Examples: in, on, at, to, from, under, between, with
Preposition of Time
At → exact time
at 5 PM, at night
On → days
on Monday, on 26th January
In → months, years, seasons
in July, in 2025, in winter
Preposition of Place
On → surface
on the table
In → inside
in the box
At → point
at the bus stop
Preposition of Movement
to, from, into, onto, towards
Examples: He is going to school. They came from Delhi.
Common SSC GD Preposition Mistakes
Discuss with, not discuss about
Complain about something
Good at studies
Fond of music
Conjunctions
Meaning
Conjunctions join words, phrases, or sentences.
Examples: and, but, or, because, although, either–or, neither–nor
Types (Simple Understanding)
And → adds
But → shows contrast
Or → choice
Because → reason
Although → opposite idea
Either…or → one of two
Neither…nor → none of two
Common SSC Rules
✔ Either–or / Neither–nor → verb agrees with the nearest subject
Example: Either Ram or his friends are going.
Neither he nor I am guilty.
✔ Though/Although → usually followed by "but" or "yet"
Although he is poor, he is honest.
Sample Questions
Articles
Fill in the blank: He is ___ honest man.
Options: (a) a (b) an (c) the (d) no article
View Answer
an
Correct use of article: I saw ___ sun rising.
Options: (a) a (b) an (c) the (d) no article
View Answer
the
Prepositions
Choose the correct preposition: He is good ___ maths.
Options: (a) in (b) at (c) for (d) to
View Answer
at
She is sitting ___ the chair.
Options: (a) at (b) on (c) in (d) between
View Answer
on
Conjunctions
Choose the correct conjunction: I worked hard ___ I failed.
Options: (a) because (b) and (c) although (d) or
View Answer
although
Fill in the blank: Either you come now ___ you don't come at all.
Options: (a) and (b) or (c) but (d) because
View Answer
or
Quick Recap
Articles
a → consonant sound
an → vowel sound
the → unique/specific things
Prepositions
at (time), on (days), in (months)
on surface, in inside, at point
good at, fond of, complain about
Conjunctions
and → addition
but → contrast
because → reason
either–or / neither–nor: verb follows nearest subject
Previous Year Questions
SSC GD 2022 — Correct article before "hour" → an
SSC GD 2021 — Preposition: fond __ music → of
SSC GD 2020 — Conjunction: He is poor ___ he is honest → but
SSC GD 2019 — Article before unique noun → the
SSC GD 2018 — Preposition: good __ studies → at
You've completed Articles, Prepositions & Conjunctions Lesson!
Courage Tip: Master these three grammar topics as they are frequently tested in SSC GD exams. Remember the key rules: 'a' before consonant sounds, 'an' before vowel sounds, 'the' for specific things. For prepositions, memorize common combinations like 'good at', 'fond of'. For conjunctions, practice subject-verb agreement rules with 'either-or' and 'neither-nor'.
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