What Are Determiners in English Grammar? Types, Examples with Exercises

Ever noticed how words like “a,” “the,” “some,” or “each” help add clarity and specificity to a sentence? These words are called Determiners in English Grammar, and they are indispensable in English grammar. Determiners are used before a noun to define it in terms of specificity, quantity, or possession.

In this guide, we will cover:

• The definition of determiners.
• The types of determiners with clear examples.
• Exercises to help you practice using determiners effectively.

By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use determiners in everyday communication.

What Are Determiners?

Determiners are words that modify nouns by providing additional information about their reference. They help specify whether we are talking about something specific or general, singular or plural, known or unknown.

Examples:

1. The dog is barking loudly. (specific dog)
2. Some people like tea more than coffee. (unspecified quantity)
3. Her house is near the park. (possessive)

Determiners in English

Types of Determiners in English

1. Articles

Articles are the most commonly used determiners and are of two types:

• Definite Article: The – Refers to something specific.
  • Example: The sun is shining brightly.
• Indefinite Articles: A, An – Refer to something non-specific.
  • Example: I saw a bird flying in the sky.

2. Demonstratives

These indicate specific things or people.

• This, That, These, Those
  • Examples:
    • This book is interesting.
    • Those shoes are expensive.

3. Possessive Determiners

Show ownership or possession.

• My, Your, His, Her, Its, Our, Their
  • Examples:
    • My car is parked outside.
    • Their dog is very friendly.

4. Quantifiers

Used to indicate quantity or amount.

• Some, Any, Much, Many, Few, Several, All, No
  • Examples:
    • Many people attended the event.
    • I don’t have any money left.

5. Interrogative Determiners

Used to ask questions.

• Which, What, Whose
  • Examples:
    • Which color do you prefer?
    • Whose car is this?

6. Distributive Determiners

Refer to individuals within a group.

• Each, Every, Either, Neither
  • Examples:
    • Each student must bring their ID card.
    • Neither option works for me.

7. Numbers as Determiners

Used to indicate specific or approximate numbers.

• One, Two, Three, etc.
  • Example: She has two cats and one dog.

8. Other Determiners

Words like other, another also act as determiners.

• Examples:
  • I need another pen.
  • Do you have any other questions?

Common Mistakes with Determiners

1. Overusing Articles:
   • Incorrect: The water is essential for life.
   • Correct: Water is essential for life.
2. Misusing Quantifiers:
   • Incorrect: He has much friends.
   • Correct: He has many friends.
3. Wrong Demonstratives:
   • Incorrect: These book is mine.
   • Correct: This book is mine.

Exercises on Determiners

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks with Appropriate Determiners in English

1. ___ (A/An/The) apple a day keeps the doctor away.
2. She doesn’t have ___ (some/any) sugar in her tea.
3. I bought ___ (this/these) shoes last week.
4. ___ (Each/Every) student must submit their project by Friday.
5. He has ___ (much/many) friends in the city.

Exercise 2: Identify the Determiners in English the Following Sentences

1. The teacher asked every student to complete the assignment.
2. I saw some birds flying in the sky.
3. Whose bag is lying on the floor?
4. Each of them received a gift.
5. We need more information about the topic.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences by Adding Determiners

1. ___ books are on the shelf. (Hint: Specific)
2. I need ___ advice on this matter. (Hint: Non-specific quantity)
3. ___ students passed the exam with distinction. (Hint: All)
4. We have ___ milk in the fridge. (Hint: Small quantity)
5. ___ car parked outside is ours. (Hint: Specific)

Exercise 4: Choose the Correct Determiner

1. (Each/Every) player has to follow the rules.
2. I need (another/other) minute to finish my work.
3. (This/These) apples are fresh and juicy.
4. Do you have (any/some) questions about the homework?
5. We didn’t see (many/much) people at the party.

Answers

Exercise 1:

1. An
2. Any
3. These
4. Each
5. Many

Exercise 2:

1. The, Every
2. Some
3. Whose
4. Each
5. More

Exercise 3:

1. The books are on the shelf.
2. I need some advice on this matter.
3. All students passed the exam with distinction.
4. We have a little milk in the fridge.
5. The car parked outside is ours.

Exercise 4:

1. Every
2. Another
3. These
4. Any
5. Many

Determiner in English Exercises with Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct determiner to complete the sentence.

1. ___ (A/An/The) apple fell from the tree.
2. Do you have ___ (some/any) sugar left in the jar?
3. I bought ___ (this/these) shoes yesterday.
4. ___ (Each/Every) student must complete the test on time.
5. He has ___ (much/many) friends in the city.

Answers

1. An
2. Any
3. These
4. Each
5. Many

Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences

Identify and correct the errors in the use of determiners.

1. I have few money left after shopping.
2. This apples are very tasty.
3. He doesn’t have some idea about the problem.
4. The water is flowing very fast.
5. Each of the player must submit their form.

Answers

1. I have little money left after shopping.
2. These apples are very tasty.
3. He doesn’t have any idea about the problem.
4. Water is flowing very fast.
5. Each of the players must submit their form.

Exercise 3: Fill in the Gaps

Use an appropriate determiner to complete the sentence.

1. ___ (All/Every) of the books on the shelf belong to me.
2. Do you know ___ (whose/which) pen this is?
3. He was awarded ___ (a/an) honor for his bravery.
4. She has ___ (few/a few) close friends in the city.
5. ___ (Some/Any) people enjoy outdoor activities, while others prefer indoor ones.

Answers

1. All
2. Whose
3. An
4. A few
5. Some

Exercise 4: Match the Determiners in English Grammar

Match the determiners in Column A with the suitable phrases in Column B.

Answers
1 – a
2 – b
3 – c
4 – d
5 – e

Exercise 5: Choose the Right Option

Choose the correct determiner for each sentence.

1. There isn’t ___ (many/much) milk left in the fridge.
2. ___ (Neither/Either) option works for me.
3. I need ___ (another/other) day to finish the task.
4. She didn’t give me ___ (some/any) advice on the matter.
5. ___ (Which/What) is your favorite color?

Answers

1. Much
2. Neither
3. Another
4. Any
5. Which

Exercise 6: Complete the Dialogue

Fill in the blanks with the correct determiner.

• A: Do you have ___ (some/any) extra pens?
• B: Yes, I have ___ (a few/much). How many do you need?
• A: Just ___ (one/much) will do.

Answers

• A: Do you have any extra pens?
• B: Yes, I have a few. How many do you need?
• A: Just one will do.

Exercise 7: Spot the Determiners

Underline the determiners in the following sentences.

1. The teacher gave each student a book.
2. I have little patience left today.
3. Whose idea was it to paint the walls green?
4. All children must wear their uniforms.
5. This is the best cake I’ve ever tasted.

Answers

1. The, each, a
2. Little
3. Whose
4. All, their
5. This, the

Exercise 8: Fill in the Blanks

Use the correct determiner.

1. ___ (That/These) car belongs to my neighbor.
2. We need ___ (a lot of/a little) water for the plants.
3. I couldn’t find ___ (any/some) information on the topic.
4. ___ (Every/Each) of the houses in this neighborhood is beautiful.
5. They bought ___ (an/a) unusual painting at the auction.

Answers

1. That
2. A lot of
3. Any
4. Every
5. An

Exercise 9: Rewrite the Sentences

Rewrite the sentences, replacing the underlined words with suitable determiners.

1. I need several pieces of advice.
2. She bought one apple and one orange.
3. He has a small amount of patience left.
4. They visited all the cities on their itinerary.
5. I have a small number of close friends.

Answers

1. I need some advice.
2. She bought an apple and an orange.
3. He has little patience left.
4. They visited every city on their itinerary.
5. I have a few close friends.

Exercise 10: Fill in the Blanks

Use the correct determiner.

1. ___ (This/These) apples are delicious.
2. The team needs ___ (more/much) time to prepare.
3. Can you tell me ___ (whose/which) coat this is?
4. I would like to buy ___ (a few/little) more books.
5. There isn’t ___ (many/much) rice left for dinner.

Answers

1. These
2. More
3. Whose
4. A few
5. Much

Conclusion

Determiners are a vital part of English grammar. These exercises are designed to help you practice and build confidence in identifying and using determiners accurately. Keep practicing and refer back to this list whenever you need a refresher!