Question 18 | UPSC Mains ENGLISH-COMPULSORY 2015

I the Taj Mahal last month. (visit)

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar – specifically, the correct use of past tense. The task requires transforming the given sentence into a grammatically correct statement. The approach involves identifying the verb, recognizing its incorrect form, and replacing it with the appropriate past tense form. The answer should be concise and accurate, demonstrating a fundamental understanding of English verb conjugation. No elaborate explanation is needed; the corrected sentence itself is the complete answer.

Model Answer

0 min read

Introduction

The question presents an incomplete sentence requiring grammatical correction. It assesses a candidate’s foundational understanding of English language structure, a crucial skill for effective communication in the UPSC examination. While the Mains exam primarily focuses on content, precision in language is vital for conveying ideas clearly and accurately. Correcting such a basic grammatical error demonstrates attention to detail, a quality valued in UPSC evaluation.

I visited the Taj Mahal last month.

Explanation of the Correction

The original sentence, "I the Taj Mahal last month. (visit)", is grammatically incorrect because the verb "visit" is not in the past tense. The phrase "last month" indicates that the action of visiting occurred in the past. Therefore, the past tense of "visit," which is "visited," must be used.

Key Grammatical Rule: Past Tense

The past tense is used to describe actions that have already happened. For regular verbs, the past tense is formed by adding "-ed" to the base form of the verb. However, "visit" is a regular verb, and its past tense is "visited".

Sentence Structure

The corrected sentence follows the standard Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure:

Subject: I
Verb (Past Tense): visited
Object: the Taj Mahal
Time Indicator: last month

Importance of Correct Grammar

In the context of the UPSC Mains examination, accurate grammar is essential for presenting well-structured and coherent answers. Grammatical errors can detract from the clarity of your arguments and potentially lower your score. While content is paramount, the ability to express your ideas effectively through precise language is equally important.

Conclusion

The corrected sentence, "I visited the Taj Mahal last month," demonstrates a fundamental understanding of English grammar and the correct application of the past tense. While seemingly simple, such accuracy is crucial for effective communication and clear articulation of ideas, skills highly valued in the UPSC Mains examination. Maintaining grammatical precision contributes to the overall quality and impact of written responses.

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.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Past Tense

The past tense is a grammatical tense whose main function is to place an action or state in the past.

Verb Conjugation

Verb conjugation refers to the process of changing a verb's form to reflect tense, mood, person, and number.

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 report by the British Council, approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English, making it the most widely spoken language globally.

Source: British Council (2023)

A study by Cambridge Assessment English found that candidates with stronger English language skills consistently perform better in academic and professional settings.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English (2022)

Examples

Use of Past Tense in Historical Context

When writing about the Indian Independence Movement, using the past tense is crucial. For example, "Mahatma Gandhi led the Salt Satyagraha in 1930." This clearly indicates that the event occurred in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Why is correct grammar important in UPSC Mains?

Correct grammar ensures clarity, precision, and professionalism in your answers. It demonstrates attention to detail and enhances the overall quality of your writing, contributing to a higher score.