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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20125 Marks
Q27.

The Minister gave the prizes on the annual day.

How to Approach

This question tests basic grammatical understanding and the ability to identify and correct errors in sentence construction. The approach should involve identifying the grammatical issue (specifically, the incorrect use of 'gave' instead of 'gave'), explaining the correct usage, and rewriting the sentence. The answer should be concise and demonstrate a clear understanding of English grammar rules. Focus on the correct tense and verb agreement.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The sentence "The Minister gave the prizes on the annual day" appears grammatically simple, but contains a subtle error in verb usage. While 'gave' is a valid past tense of 'give', the context suggests a more formal and potentially ongoing action related to the annual day event. Correcting this requires understanding the nuances of past tense verbs and their appropriate application in formal writing, particularly in the context of official events and reporting. This answer will identify the error, explain the correct usage, and provide a revised sentence.

Identifying the Error

The primary error lies in the use of the simple past tense 'gave'. While not strictly incorrect, it lacks the nuance expected in a formal report or description of an event like an annual day. The action of 'giving prizes' is often part of a larger sequence of events and can be better represented using a more descriptive past tense construction.

Correct Usage and Explanation

The correct phrasing would be "The Minister distributed the prizes on the annual day" or "The Minister presented the prizes on the annual day".

  • 'Distributed' implies a systematic handing out of prizes to multiple recipients, which is typical of an annual day event.
  • 'Presented' suggests a more formal bestowal of awards, fitting the context of a minister officiating at a ceremony.

Using 'gave' sounds informal and doesn't fully capture the nature of the action. The verb 'give' is often used for a single, direct transfer, whereas 'distribute' or 'present' are more appropriate for a ceremonial occasion.

Rewritten Sentence

Here are a few options for the corrected sentence:

  • The Minister distributed the prizes on the annual day.
  • The Minister presented the prizes on the annual day.
  • The Minister handed over the prizes on the annual day.

Grammatical Considerations

The phrase "on the annual day" is grammatically correct and provides a clear temporal context for the action. The sentence structure itself (Subject-Verb-Object-Prepositional Phrase) is standard and acceptable. The issue solely resides in the choice of the verb.

Importance of Precise Language

In formal writing, especially in contexts like UPSC answer scripts, precise language is crucial. Choosing the most appropriate verb can significantly enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing. A seemingly minor error like this can detract from the overall quality of your response.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the original sentence isn't fundamentally wrong, it lacks the precision and formality expected in standard written English. Replacing 'gave' with 'distributed' or 'presented' significantly improves the sentence's clarity and appropriateness for describing a ministerial action at an annual day event. Attention to such details demonstrates a strong command of the English language, a valuable asset in the UPSC examination.

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.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Simple Past Tense
The simple past tense is used to describe completed actions that happened at a specific time in the past. It is formed by adding '-ed' to regular verbs (e.g., walked, talked) or using irregular past tense forms (e.g., went, saw).
Verb Agreement
Verb agreement refers to the correspondence in form between a verb and its subject. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. (e.g., He *goes* vs. They *go*).

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 study by Cambridge Assessment English, errors in verb tense and agreement are among the most common grammatical mistakes made by non-native English speakers.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English, 2023

A 2022 report by Grammarly indicated that approximately 20% of all written communication contains grammatical errors, with verb-related errors being a significant portion.

Source: Grammarly, 2022

Examples

Incorrect vs. Correct Usage

Incorrect: "The teacher gave a lecture on climate change." Correct: "The teacher delivered a lecture on climate change." 'Delivered' is more formal and appropriate for a lecture setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Is 'gave' always incorrect?

No, 'gave' is not always incorrect. It's grammatically valid, but its appropriateness depends on the context. In informal settings or when describing a simple transfer, it's acceptable. However, in formal contexts, 'distributed' or 'presented' are often better choices.

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