Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
In English grammar, adjectives are used to describe nouns. While some adjectives have comparative and superlative forms (e.g., good, better, best), certain adjectives, like "complete," already imply a maximum degree and do not require intensification with words like "most." The use of "most" with such adjectives often results in redundancy and awkward phrasing. This question tests the ability to identify and rectify such instances, demonstrating a command of precise language use.
Identifying the Redundancy
The original sentence, "He wrote a most complete account of his travels," contains a grammatical redundancy. The adjective "complete" inherently signifies totality or fullness. Adding "most" before it doesn't enhance the meaning; instead, it creates an unnecessary and stylistically weak construction.
The Role of 'Most'
The word "most" is typically used to form the superlative degree of adjectives, indicating the highest level of a quality. For example, "He is the most intelligent student in the class." However, this applies to adjectives that have degrees – qualities that can be more or less present. "Complete" doesn't function in this way. Something is either complete or it isn't; there aren't degrees of completeness.
Correcting the Sentence
The grammatically correct and more concise sentence is: "He wrote a complete account of his travels." Removing "most" eliminates the redundancy and improves the clarity and flow of the sentence. This demonstrates a better understanding of adjective usage and stylistic precision.
Illustrative Examples
- Incorrect: "The room was most empty." Correct: "The room was empty."
- Incorrect: "She was most certain of her decision." Correct: "She was certain of her decision."
- Incorrect: "It was a most unique experience." Correct: "It was a unique experience." (Note: 'unique' is often considered an absolute adjective, meaning it cannot be 'more unique'.)
Why Redundancy Matters
Avoiding redundancy is crucial for effective communication. Redundant phrasing can make writing appear clumsy and imprecise. In formal writing, such as that required for the UPSC examination, conciseness and clarity are highly valued. A well-crafted sentence conveys meaning efficiently and effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original sentence suffers from the unnecessary use of "most" before the adjective "complete." Removing "most" results in a grammatically sound and stylistically superior sentence. This highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of adjective usage and striving for conciseness in written communication, a skill vital for success in the UPSC Mains 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.