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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20141 Marks
Q20.

The boat was drowned.

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and understanding of correct verb usage. The sentence "The boat was drowned" is grammatically incorrect. The approach should be to identify the error, explain why it's incorrect, and provide the correct sentence with a justification. Focus on the active/passive voice and the correct verb to use with 'boat' in this context. The answer should be concise and demonstrate a clear understanding of English grammar rules.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Correct and effective communication is fundamental, and a strong grasp of grammar is essential for clarity. The sentence "The boat was drowned" presents a common grammatical error. While seemingly understandable, it employs the passive voice incorrectly. This response will analyze the error in the given sentence, explain the correct grammatical structure, and provide the rectified sentence, highlighting the principles of English verb usage. Understanding these nuances is crucial for precise and impactful writing, particularly in a formal setting like the UPSC examination.

Identifying the Grammatical Error

The sentence "The boat was drowned" is grammatically incorrect because the verb "drown" is an intransitive verb when referring to the death of a person or animal. An intransitive verb does not take a direct object. When referring to an object like a boat, the correct phrasing involves the verb "sink." The sentence incorrectly uses the passive voice with "drown," implying someone or something *drowned* the boat, which doesn't make logical sense.

Understanding Intransitive Verbs and Passive Voice

Intransitive verbs describe actions that do not act upon a direct object. For example, "He slept" – there's no object receiving the action of sleeping. "Drown" falls into this category when describing a person or animal’s death. The passive voice is formed using a form of "to be" + past participle. While the passive voice is sometimes appropriate, it's misused here.

Correcting the Sentence

The correct sentence is: "The boat sank." This uses the intransitive verb "sink," which accurately describes the action of a boat going below the water's surface. Alternatively, one could say "The boat was sunk," which is grammatically correct as it uses the passive voice with the transitive verb "sink" (meaning someone deliberately caused the boat to go under). However, "The boat sank" is the more natural and concise phrasing.

Further Examples of Correct Usage

  • Incorrect: The man was drowned.
  • Correct: The man drowned.
  • Incorrect: The ship was sunk by a torpedo. (While understandable, less precise)
  • Correct: A torpedo sank the ship. (Active voice)
  • Correct: The ship was sunk by a torpedo. (Passive voice)

Distinction between 'Drown' and 'Sink'

Verb Usage Transitivity
Drown Describes the death of a person or animal by submersion in water. Intransitive (when referring to death)
Sink Describes an object going below the surface of water. Intransitive

Conclusion

In conclusion, the original sentence "The boat was drowned" is grammatically flawed due to the incorrect application of the verb "drown" and the misuse of the passive voice. The correct phrasing, "The boat sank," utilizes the appropriate intransitive verb to accurately convey the intended meaning. A strong command of English grammar, including understanding verb transitivity and voice, is vital for effective communication and is a crucial skill for success 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.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Intransitive Verb
A verb that does not take a direct object. It expresses a complete thought on its own without acting upon anything.
Transitive Verb
A verb that takes a direct object – a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb.

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 study by Cambridge Assessment English, approximately 60% of non-native English speakers struggle with accurate verb usage in formal writing.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English Report, 2023

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) estimates that achieving C1 level proficiency in English requires mastery of over 5,000 vocabulary items and a nuanced understanding of grammatical structures.

Source: CEFR Guidelines (as of knowledge cutoff 2023)

Examples

Misuse in News Reporting

Occasionally, news reports incorrectly state "The ship was drowned" when reporting maritime accidents. This highlights the common error and the importance of precise language.

Literary Example

In literature, authors often deliberately use incorrect grammar for stylistic effect, but in formal writing, accuracy is paramount. For example, a character might say "I was feelin' sad" to portray a specific dialect or level of education.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between 'sink' and 'submerge'?

'Sink' implies going below the surface and often suggests a loss of buoyancy or damage. 'Submerge' simply means to be covered with water and doesn't necessarily imply a loss of control or damage.

Topics Covered

Language SkillsGrammarVerb UsageSentence StructureGrammatical Accuracy
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