Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The given sentence, "The colours so passed off one another that she could not distinguish them," presents a grammatical imprecision. While understandable, the use of "so" in this context is awkward and doesn't accurately convey the intended meaning of a gradual, seamless transition between colours. The sentence aims to describe a blending of colours where the boundaries are indistinct. Correcting this requires a more precise adverb to describe *how* the colours transitioned, enhancing clarity and grammatical correctness.
Identifying the Grammatical Error
The primary issue with the sentence is the misuse of the adverb "so." "So" typically indicates degree or consequence (e.g., "It was so hot"). In this context, it doesn't effectively describe the *manner* in which the colours transitioned. The sentence attempts to convey a gradual blending, but "so" doesn't achieve this nuance.
Correcting the Sentence
The sentence can be corrected in several ways, depending on the precise shade of meaning desired. Here are a few options:
- Option 1 (Most Common): "The colours blended so seamlessly that she could not distinguish them." – This uses "seamlessly" to accurately describe the smooth transition.
- Option 2: "The colours faded so gradually that she could not distinguish them." – This emphasizes the slow, incremental change.
- Option 3: "The colours passed into one another so gently that she could not distinguish them." – This highlights the delicate nature of the transition.
Explanation of the Correction
The corrected sentences replace "so" with adverbs that specifically describe the *manner* of the colour transition. Adverbs of manner answer the question "how?" "Seamlessly," "gradually," and "gently" all provide a clear and accurate description of how the colours blended, resolving the ambiguity of the original sentence.
Further Analysis of Adverbs
Understanding the different types of adverbs is crucial for accurate sentence construction. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They provide information about time, place, manner, degree, or frequency. In this case, we needed an adverb of manner to describe *how* the colours changed. Incorrect adverb usage can lead to ambiguity and grammatical errors.
Example of Incorrect vs. Correct Usage
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| The child ate so quickly. | The child ate quickly. |
| She spoke so clear. | She spoke clearly. |
Importance of Precise Language
In formal writing, especially for examinations like the UPSC Civil Services Exam, precise language is paramount. Ambiguous or grammatically incorrect sentences can detract from the clarity of your arguments and negatively impact your score. Paying attention to the nuances of adverb usage is a key aspect of effective communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original sentence suffered from an imprecise use of the adverb "so," leading to a lack of clarity in describing the colour transition. Replacing "so" with a more specific adverb of manner – such as "seamlessly," "gradually," or "gently" – significantly improves the sentence's grammatical correctness and conveys the intended meaning more effectively. This highlights the importance of careful adverb selection for precise and impactful writing.
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.