Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Sentence completion exercises are a common feature of competitive examinations, assessing a candidate’s grasp of language fundamentals. These tests evaluate not only vocabulary but also the ability to understand grammatical structures and contextual nuances. The given sentence, “The criminal the victim with a blunt object,” requires the correct past tense form of the verb ‘attack’ to convey a completed action. Accurate verb conjugation is crucial for clear and effective communication, and this exercise tests that ability.
The completed sentence is: “The criminal attacked the victim with a blunt object.”
Justification of the Answer
The sentence describes an action that has already occurred – the criminal inflicting harm on the victim. Therefore, the past tense of the verb "attack" is required. The correct past tense form is "attacked."
Grammatical Analysis
- Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject is "The criminal" (singular), and the verb "attacked" agrees with it.
- Tense: The use of "attacked" establishes the action as completed in the past.
- Prepositional Phrase: "with a blunt object" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying the instrument used in the attack.
Alternative Verb Forms and Why They Are Incorrect
- Attack: (Present Tense) – Incorrect as it doesn’t reflect a completed action.
- Attacking: (Present Participle/Gerund) – Incorrect; would require an auxiliary verb (e.g., "was attacking") to form a continuous tense.
- Attacks: (Simple Present) – Incorrect; implies a habitual action, not a single past event.
Contextual Relevance
The sentence describes a criminal act. Using the past tense ("attacked") accurately portrays the event as something that has already happened, aligning with the typical narrative structure of reporting crimes.
Importance of Accurate Verb Tenses
Correct verb tense usage is fundamental to clear and concise writing. Misusing verb tenses can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation. In legal contexts, such as describing a crime, precise language is paramount. The Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, relies heavily on precise definitions and descriptions of actions, making accurate verb usage critical for legal interpretation.
| Tense | Form of 'Attack' | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Present Simple | Attack | He attacks his opponents relentlessly. |
| Past Simple | Attacked | The dog attacked the mailman. |
| Present Continuous | Is/Are Attacking | They are attacking the city. |
| Past Continuous | Was/Were Attacking | She was attacking the problem with renewed vigor. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct completion of the sentence is “The criminal attacked the victim with a blunt object.” This demonstrates a clear understanding of past tense verb conjugation and its application in constructing grammatically correct and contextually appropriate sentences. Mastering such fundamental language skills is essential for effective communication and success in competitive examinations and professional settings.
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.