Which is the most appropriate article to complete the sentence: I want to become MLA

Question

Which is the most appropriate article to complete the sentence:

I want to become MLA

1. A. the
2. B. an (Correct answer)
3. C. a
4. D. No article

Correct Answer

Option B — an

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is an.

Key Points

• The article is chosen by the sound a word begins with, not its spelling.
• MLA is pronounced "em-el-ay", beginning with the vowel sound *e*, so it takes an.
• The letter M is a consonant, which is exactly why the spelling misleads here.

Additional Information

• Abbreviations following the same rule: an FIR, an SDM, an NGO, an MP, an SSP — all because F, S, N and M are said as "eff", "ess", "en" and "em".
• Contrast with a UPSC officer and a university, where U is pronounced "yoo", a consonant sound.
• Other counter-intuitive pairs: an hour, an honest man (silent h) against a one-rupee note, a European (initial *w* and *y* sounds).