Question 44 | UPSC Mains ENGLISH-COMPULSORY 2015

The businessman tried to a deal with the inspector. (strike/stroke)

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and vocabulary. The task requires choosing the correct verb – ‘strike’ or ‘stroke’ – to complete the sentence meaningfully. The approach involves understanding the idiomatic usage of these verbs in the context of attempting to reach an agreement. The answer should clearly state the correct verb and briefly explain why the other option is incorrect. A concise and direct response is expected, focusing on grammatical accuracy and contextual appropriateness.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The English language often presents challenges due to the nuanced meanings of seemingly similar words. The sentence "The businessman tried to a deal with the inspector" requires careful consideration of verb choice to convey the intended meaning. The verbs ‘strike’ and ‘stroke’ both have multiple definitions, but only one fits the context of negotiating or reaching an agreement. Understanding these subtle differences is crucial for effective communication and accurate language use. This answer will identify the correct verb and explain the reasoning behind its selection.

The correct verb to complete the sentence is strike. The sentence should read: "The businessman tried to strike a deal with the inspector."

Explanation

The phrase "strike a deal" is a common idiom in English, meaning to reach an agreement or compromise. It implies a successful negotiation resulting in a mutually acceptable arrangement.

Why 'Stroke' is Incorrect

While 'stroke' also has several meanings, none of them fit the context of business negotiations. 'Stroke' can refer to:

A physical act of touching gently.
A movement in swimming.
A sudden attack of illness (e.g., a stroke).
A flattering remark.

None of these meanings align with the intention of reaching a business agreement with an inspector.

Idiomatic Usage

The idiom "strike a deal" is widely used in various contexts, including business, politics, and everyday conversations. Here are a few examples:

"The company managed to strike a lucrative deal with its suppliers."
"Negotiators are working hard to strike a peace deal between the warring factions."
"I tried to strike a bargain with the shopkeeper, but he wouldn't lower the price."

Grammatical Structure

The verb 'strike' functions as a transitive verb in this context, requiring a direct object ("a deal"). The phrase "strike a deal" is a fixed expression, and altering it with 'stroke' disrupts the idiomatic meaning and grammatical correctness of the sentence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct verb to use in the sentence is 'strike' due to its established idiomatic usage in the context of reaching an agreement. 'Stroke' does not fit the intended meaning and would render the sentence grammatically and semantically incorrect. Precise verb choice is essential for clear and effective communication, particularly in formal writing 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.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Idiom

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of its individual words. It is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.

Transitive Verb

A transitive verb is a verb that takes a direct object – a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. For example, in "He struck a deal," 'struck' is a transitive verb and 'a deal' is the direct object.

Key Statistics

Approximately 70% of English language learners find idioms challenging to master (based on research from the British Council, 2018).

Source: British Council, 2018

Studies show that approximately 80% of communication is non-verbal, highlighting the importance of understanding context and nuance in language (Mehrabian, 1967).

Source: Mehrabian, A. (1967). Communication without words.

Examples

Negotiating a Trade Deal

In 2023, India and the UK were engaged in negotiations to strike a comprehensive trade deal, aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment. This exemplifies the use of "strike a deal" in a high-stakes international context.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between 'strike' and 'stroke'?

'Strike' means to hit, attack, or reach an agreement. 'Stroke' means to touch gently, a movement in swimming, or a medical condition affecting the brain. Their meanings are distinct and context-dependent.