He lived there for a day.

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and understanding of tense. The task requires identifying the tense used in the sentence and potentially suggesting alternative phrasing for improved clarity or nuance. The approach should focus on identifying the past tense, specifically the simple past tense, and briefly explaining its usage. A concise and accurate response is expected, adhering to the strict word limit. No elaborate explanation is needed, just a demonstration of grammatical understanding.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The sentence "He lived there for a day" employs the simple past tense to indicate a completed action in the past. This tense is used to describe actions that started and finished at a specific time in the past. While grammatically correct, the phrasing could be refined depending on the intended meaning. The sentence implies a temporary residence, and understanding this nuance is key to appreciating its structure.

The sentence utilizes the simple past tense. This tense is formed using the past form of the verb (lived). It indicates an action completed at a definite time in the past.

Tense Breakdown

Subject: He
Verb: lived (past tense of live)
Adverbial Phrase: for a day (duration of the action)
Place Adverb: there

Alternative Phrasings (for nuance)

While correct, alternative phrasing could emphasize different aspects:

"He stayed there for a day." – Emphasizes temporary residence.
"He had lived there for a day." – (Past Perfect) – Implies the action was completed before another point in the past (less likely in this context).

The original sentence is concise and effectively conveys the information within the given constraints. The use of "for a day" clearly indicates the limited duration of the residence.

Grammatical Structure

The sentence follows a standard Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure, making it easily understandable. The adverbial phrase "for a day" modifies the verb, providing additional information about the duration of the action. The adverb "there" specifies the location.

Conclusion

The sentence "He lived there for a day" is a grammatically sound statement utilizing the simple past tense to describe a completed action. While alternative phrasing exists, the original sentence is clear, concise, and effectively communicates the intended meaning within the constraints of the question. The sentence demonstrates a basic understanding of English tense and sentence structure.

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

Simple Past Tense

The simple past tense is used to describe completed actions that occurred at a specific time in the past. It is formed by adding "-ed" to regular verbs or using irregular past tense forms.

Adverbial Phrase

A group of words that functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It provides information about time, place, manner, or degree.

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 study by Cambridge Assessment English, approximately 1.45 billion people worldwide are learning English as a second language.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English, 2023

As of 2022, India has the second-largest number of English speakers in the world, with approximately 129 million English speakers.

Source: Statista, 2022 (Knowledge Cutoff)

Examples

Historical Example

“Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon.” This sentence uses the simple past tense to describe a historical event that occurred at a specific point in time.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between the simple past and the present perfect tense?

The simple past tense describes completed actions at a definite time in the past, while the present perfect tense describes actions that started in the past and continue to have relevance in the present.

Topics Covered

Language SkillsGeneral StudiesGrammarTenseTime Expression

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