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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20155 Marks
Q16.

It is not worth so much money for this concert. (pay)

How to Approach

This question is a grammatical exercise testing the understanding of prepositions and phrasing for expressing value or worth. The core task is to rephrase the sentence using "pay" correctly to convey the idea that the concert's price is too high. The answer should demonstrate a clear understanding of English grammar and sentence construction, focusing on appropriate prepositional usage and sentence flow. A simple, direct correction is expected, avoiding unnecessary elaboration.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The given sentence, "It is not worth so much money for this concert," while understandable, is grammatically awkward. The phrase "worth so much money for" is not standard English usage when discussing the cost of something. The sentence aims to express dissatisfaction with the concert's price relative to its perceived value. A more natural and grammatically correct phrasing involves using the verb "pay" to directly address the cost and its relation to the concert experience.

The corrected sentence is: "It is not worth paying so much money for this concert."

Explanation of the Correction

The original sentence suffers from an incorrect prepositional phrase. "Worth" in this context requires a gerund (a verb acting as a noun) following it to indicate the action or expense associated with the value. Using "paying" clarifies that the issue is with the expenditure required to attend the concert.

Why the original is incorrect

  • Prepositional Misuse: The preposition "for" is redundant and grammatically incorrect when used directly after "worth so much money."
  • Lack of Gerund: The absence of a gerund after "worth" creates an incomplete thought and awkward phrasing.

Alternative Correct Phrasings (demonstrating understanding)

  • "This concert is not worth the money." (More concise)
  • "The price of this concert is too high." (Focuses on the price itself)
  • "I don't think this concert is worth so much money." (Adds a personal opinion)

Grammatical Principles Illustrated

This correction highlights the importance of understanding:

  • Gerunds: Verbs ending in "-ing" that function as nouns.
  • Prepositional Phrases: Groups of words that begin with a preposition and modify other words in the sentence.
  • Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensuring the verb form matches the subject.

The corrected sentence maintains the original meaning while adhering to standard English grammatical conventions. It clearly conveys the speaker's belief that the concert's cost is disproportionate to its value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sentence "It is not worth so much money for this concert" is grammatically flawed. The corrected version, "It is not worth paying so much money for this concert," utilizes the correct grammatical structure with a gerund following "worth," resulting in a clear and concise expression of the intended meaning. This simple correction demonstrates a fundamental understanding of English grammar and sentence construction.

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

Gerund
A gerund is a verb form ending in "-ing" that functions as a noun. It can act as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Example: <em>Swimming</em> is my favorite exercise.
Prepositional Phrase
A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition (e.g., "in," "on," "at," "for," "with") and includes a noun or pronoun called its object. It functions as an adjective or adverb, modifying other words in the sentence.

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 report by Statista, the global live music market was valued at approximately $82.1 billion.

Source: Statista (2023)

A 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 44% of U.S. adults had attended a concert or music festival in the past year.

Source: Pew Research Center (2022)

Examples

Ticketmaster Fees

The high cost of concert tickets is often exacerbated by substantial service fees added by ticketing companies like Ticketmaster. These fees can sometimes equal or exceed the face value of the ticket, leading to complaints about affordability and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Is "worth" always followed by a gerund?

Not always. "Worth" can be followed by a noun phrase indicating value. For example, "This painting is worth a fortune." However, when discussing an action or expense related to the value, a gerund is required (e.g., "It's worth considering").

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