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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20145 Marks
Q27.

His courage him.

How to Approach

This question is a test of basic English grammar, specifically the correct usage of verbs and pronouns. The sentence is incomplete and requires filling in the blank with the appropriate verb to convey a meaningful relationship between courage and the subject (implied). The approach should focus on identifying the correct verb form that demonstrates possession or influence. The answer should provide the completed sentence and a brief explanation of the grammatical rule applied.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Grammar forms the bedrock of effective communication, and a strong grasp of verb conjugation and pronoun usage is crucial for clarity and precision. The given sentence, "His courage him," is grammatically incomplete, lacking a verb that establishes a relationship between the subject's courage and its effect on the subject itself. This question tests the candidate’s understanding of how verbs function to connect ideas and convey meaning within a sentence structure. Correcting the sentence requires identifying the appropriate verb to express that courage empowers or sustains someone.

Corrected Sentence and Explanation

The correct completion of the sentence is: His courage sustains him.

Here's a breakdown of why this is the correct answer:

Grammatical Analysis

  • Pronoun: "His" is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership – the courage belongs to someone.
  • Noun: "Courage" is the subject complement, describing the quality possessed.
  • Verb: The missing verb needs to express that the courage *acts upon* the subject, providing strength or support. "Sustain" is the most appropriate verb in this context. Other options like 'emboldens' or 'inspires' could also work, but 'sustains' is the most direct and natural fit.
  • Pronoun: "Him" is the object pronoun, receiving the action of the verb.

Alternative Verb Choices and Why They Are Less Suitable

While other verbs might seem plausible, they don't convey the same nuance:

  • "His courage helps him." – While grammatically correct, it lacks the sense of ongoing support implied by "sustains."
  • "His courage emboldens him." – This suggests making someone braver, rather than maintaining their bravery.
  • "His courage inspires him." – This implies a motivational effect, not necessarily a sustaining one.

Sentence Structure and Meaning

The completed sentence, "His courage sustains him," conveys the idea that the subject's courage is a source of strength and resilience, enabling them to persevere. The verb "sustains" implies a continuous and vital connection between courage and well-being.

Importance of Correct Verb Choice

Choosing the right verb is critical for conveying precise meaning. A poorly chosen verb can alter the intended message and lead to ambiguity. In formal writing, such as that required for the UPSC examination, accuracy in grammar is paramount.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct completion of the sentence is "His courage sustains him." This demonstrates a clear understanding of English grammar, specifically the proper use of verbs to establish relationships between subjects and objects. The choice of "sustains" effectively conveys the idea that courage provides ongoing strength and support. Attention to such grammatical details is essential for clear and effective communication, particularly in the context of 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.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Pronoun
A pronoun is a word that is used in place of a noun or noun phrase. Pronouns are used to avoid repetition and to make sentences more concise.
Verb Conjugation
Verb conjugation refers to the process of changing a verb's form to reflect tense (past, present, future), mood (indicative, imperative, subjunctive), person (first, second, third), and number (singular, plural).

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 study by Cambridge Assessment English, approximately 60% of candidates in English language proficiency tests make errors related to verb tense and agreement.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English, 2023

A 2022 report by the British Council indicated that strong English language skills correlate with a 15-20% higher earning potential in the global job market.

Source: British Council, 2022

Examples

Impact of Correct Grammar in Official Documents

A miswritten clause in a legal contract due to incorrect verb usage led to a significant financial dispute in a 2018 case involving an international trade agreement. This highlights the importance of grammatical precision in professional settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'?

'Affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence something. 'Effect' is usually a noun meaning the result of an influence. For example: "The weather affected his mood," and "The effect of the rain was a flooded street."

Topics Covered

Language SkillsGrammarVerb UsageSentence StructureGrammatical Accuracy
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