Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Effective communication relies heavily on grammatically sound sentences. A common error is the creation of run-on sentences, where independent clauses are joined incorrectly. This often occurs without proper conjunctions or punctuation, leading to ambiguity and reduced clarity. The given sentence, "the technician worked for an hour he was unable to repair the machine," exemplifies this issue. Correcting such sentences is fundamental to clear and precise writing, a skill crucial for effective communication in any field, particularly in the context of the UPSC examination where precise articulation of thoughts is paramount.
Identifying the Error
The original sentence consists of two independent clauses: "the technician worked for an hour" and "he was unable to repair the machine." An independent clause contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. These two clauses are incorrectly joined without a coordinating conjunction or appropriate punctuation.
Correcting the Sentence – Options
There are several ways to correct this run-on sentence. Each option alters the sentence slightly but maintains the original meaning.
Option 1: Using a Coordinating Conjunction
We can connect the clauses with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). In this case, "but" is the most logical choice, indicating a contrast between the effort and the result.
Corrected Sentence: The technician worked for an hour, but he was unable to repair the machine.
Option 2: Using a Semicolon
A semicolon can be used to join two closely related independent clauses. This option emphasizes the relationship between the two parts of the sentence.
Corrected Sentence: The technician worked for an hour; he was unable to repair the machine.
Option 3: Creating Two Separate Sentences
The simplest solution is to divide the run-on sentence into two distinct sentences.
Corrected Sentences: The technician worked for an hour. He was unable to repair the machine.
Option 4: Using a Subordinating Conjunction
A subordinating conjunction (although, because, since, while, etc.) can create a complex sentence, showing the relationship between the clauses.
Corrected Sentence: Although the technician worked for an hour, he was unable to repair the machine.
Why the Original is Incorrect
The original sentence lacks the necessary grammatical element to connect the two independent clauses. Without a conjunction or punctuation mark like a semicolon, the sentence reads as a run-on, making it difficult to understand the intended relationship between the technician's work and his inability to fix the machine. This impacts clarity and precision, qualities essential in formal writing.
Importance of Correct Sentence Structure
Correct sentence structure is vital for effective communication. Ambiguous or grammatically incorrect sentences can lead to misinterpretations and hinder the conveyance of information. In the context of the UPSC Mains examination, precise and unambiguous writing is crucial for scoring well. A well-structured sentence demonstrates a clear understanding of the subject matter and the ability to articulate thoughts effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original sentence is a run-on sentence due to the improper joining of two independent clauses. Several corrections are possible, utilizing coordinating conjunctions, semicolons, or creating separate sentences. The choice of correction depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the writing. Mastering basic grammar, including sentence structure, is fundamental for clear and effective communication, and is a skill highly valued 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.