Understanding Article Usage
In the sentence "She is ___ best singer in the class," the correct article is "the." Here’s why:
Definite Article "the"
- The word "the" is known as a definite article.
- It is used to refer to a specific noun that is already known to the listener or reader.
- In this case, "the best singer" implies that there is a specific individual recognized as the best among a defined group (the class).
Comparison with Other Articles
- "a": This is an indefinite article used before a singular noun that begins with a consonant sound. It is used when referring to any member of a group, not a specific one. For example, "a singer" does not specify which singer.
- "an": This is also an indefinite article, but it is used before singular nouns that begin with a vowel sound. Similarly, "an artist" would refer to any artist, not a specific one.
- "no article": Leaving out an article altogether is typically incorrect in this context, as it would make the sentence grammatically incorrect.
Conclusion
- The use of "the" is essential here because it indicates that "she" is the singular best singer out of all the singers in the class, making it a specific reference.
Using the correct article not only clarifies the meaning but also enhances the grammatical structure of the sentence, making it precise and understandable.

The word "best" refers to a specific superlative, so the correct article is "the." The correct sentence is "She is the best singer in the class."