Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The sentence "Not only David passed but got a distinction" presents a common grammatical error in English. The correlative conjunctions "not only...but also" require parallel grammatical structures after each part. This means that if "passed" is the verb following "not only," then "also" should be followed by a verb in the same tense. A correct sentence structure ensures clarity and adherence to grammatical rules, crucial for effective communication, especially in formal writing like that expected in the UPSC examination.
Identifying the Error
The primary error lies in the lack of parallel structure following the "not only...but also" construction. "Not only" is paired with "passed" (a verb in the past tense), but "but" is followed by "got" without the necessary "also." This creates an imbalance and makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
Correct Usage of 'Not Only...But Also'
The correlative conjunction "not only...but also" is used to emphasize that two things are true. The structure requires that the elements following "not only" and "but also" be grammatically equivalent. This equivalence is crucial for maintaining clarity and logical flow.
Corrected Sentence
The correct sentence is: "Not only did David pass, but he also got a distinction."
Explanation of the Correction
- Auxiliary Verb 'did': The addition of the auxiliary verb "did" before "David pass" is necessary because "not only" often initiates an inverted sentence structure. This is particularly common when the sentence begins with a negative adverbial phrase.
- 'Also' Placement: The inclusion of "also" before "got" completes the parallel structure, mirroring the "not only" phrase.
- Pronoun 'he': Using the pronoun 'he' avoids unnecessary repetition of the name 'David' and maintains a smoother flow.
Illustrative Examples
Here are a few more examples demonstrating the correct usage of "not only...but also":
- Not only is she intelligent, but she is also kind.
- He not only speaks English, but he also speaks French and Spanish.
- The company not only increased its profits, but it also expanded its market share.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Aspirants should be mindful of the following common errors:
- Omitting "also" after "but."
- Using different verb tenses after "not only" and "but also."
- Failing to invert the sentence structure when "not only" begins the sentence.
Importance in UPSC Context
While this question directly tests English language skills, the ability to construct grammatically correct and clear sentences is vital for writing effective answers in the UPSC Mains examination. Precise language and adherence to grammatical rules demonstrate clarity of thought and analytical ability, which are highly valued by examiners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original sentence suffered from a lack of parallel structure following the "not only...but also" correlative conjunction. Correcting it requires adding the auxiliary verb 'did' and including 'also' to maintain grammatical equivalence. Mastering this construction is essential for clear and effective communication, a skill crucial for success in the UPSC examination and beyond.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.