Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The provided sentence, "he was late for the meeting, his boss became angry," illustrates a common error in sentence construction – a comma splice. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. Independent clauses are parts of a sentence that could stand alone as complete sentences. Correcting this requires either using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) preceded by a comma, using a semicolon, or separating the clauses into two distinct sentences.
Correcting the Sentence
The original sentence suffers from a comma splice. Here are several ways to correct it:
Option 1: Using a Coordinating Conjunction
The most common and often preferred method is to use a coordinating conjunction. In this case, "so" or "and" would be appropriate:
- He was late for the meeting, so his boss became angry.
- He was late for the meeting, and his boss became angry.
The conjunction connects the two independent clauses, creating a compound sentence.
Option 2: Using a Semicolon
A semicolon can also join two closely related independent clauses:
- He was late for the meeting; his boss became angry.
This option emphasizes the close relationship between the two events.
Option 3: Separating into Two Sentences
The simplest solution is to create two separate sentences:
- He was late for the meeting. His boss became angry.
This approach provides clarity and avoids any potential grammatical issues.
Grammatical Explanation
The sentence contains two independent clauses:
- Clause 1: "He was late for the meeting" (Subject: He, Verb: was, Complete thought)
- Clause 2: "His boss became angry" (Subject: His boss, Verb: became, Complete thought)
Simply joining these with a comma is incorrect. A comma alone cannot connect two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
Importance of Correct Sentence Structure
Clear and concise writing is crucial for effective communication. Grammatical errors, such as comma splices, can obscure meaning and detract from the overall impact of a message. In a professional context, such as the UPSC Mains examination, demonstrating a strong command of grammar is essential for conveying ideas effectively and achieving a high score.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original sentence is grammatically incorrect due to a comma splice. Correcting it involves using a coordinating conjunction, a semicolon, or separating the clauses into two distinct sentences. Choosing the best option depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the writing. Maintaining grammatical accuracy is paramount for clear and effective communication, particularly in a formal setting like 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.