What is the function of determiners?

• A. Make specific sense of a noun
• B. Indicate tense
• C. Describe action
• D. Modify adjectives

Answer: (A)

Determinants come before a noun to fix exactly which noun is being talked about and, in many cases, how many there are. They show whether the noun is definite or indefinite (the vs a), indicate possession (my, your), or express quantity or proximity (this, these, some, many). By setting the reference for the noun phrase, they help the listener know which specific object or person is meant. They aren’t about showing tense, describing actions, or modifying adjectives (though a determiner can sit at the start of a noun phrase that also includes adjectives). So the function is to make a noun specific or identify its reference.