Fill in the blank (article choice) “The earth is at present in great danger of becoming uninhabitable because of ______ environmental pollution which is going on at an incredibly rapid pace.” Choose the correct article.

Given data

• Specific, known, ongoing phenomenon: environmental pollution.

Concept/ApproachUse the definite article the for a specific, widely recognized phenomenon (“the environment,” “the pollution”).

Option analysisthe — correct for a particular, universally known referent.a/an — would suggest an unspecified instance.that — demonstrative; changes the tone and is unnecessary.

Common pitfallsAvoid “an environmental pollution,” which is unidiomatic.

Final Answerthe