They didn't see any movies since March.

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and understanding of tense usage. The task requires correcting the sentence to reflect a continuous period of not seeing movies up to the present. The approach involves identifying the correct tense (present perfect) and restructuring the sentence accordingly. The answer should be concise and grammatically accurate, demonstrating a command of English language skills.

Model Answer

0 min read

Introduction

The English language, as a crucial component of the Civil Services Examination, assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively and precisely. Grammatical accuracy is paramount in conveying meaning clearly. The given sentence, "They didn't see any movies since March," contains a tense error. The use of 'didn't see' (past simple) with 'since March' (indicating a period continuing to the present) is incorrect. The correct tense to express an action that started in the past and continues to the present is the present perfect tense.

The corrected sentence is: They haven't seen any movies since March.

Explanation of the Correction

The original sentence uses the past simple tense ("didn't see"), which implies a completed action in the past. However, the phrase "since March" indicates that the period of not seeing movies extends from March until the present time. Therefore, the present perfect tense ("haven't seen") is the appropriate choice.

Understanding the Tenses

Past Simple: Used for completed actions in the past. (e.g., "I saw a movie yesterday.")
Present Perfect: Used for actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or for actions completed at an unspecified time in the past. (e.g., "I have lived here for ten years.")

Why "since" requires Present Perfect

The preposition "since" introduces a starting point in time. When used with the present perfect, it indicates that an action began at that point and continues up to now. For example:

"She has worked at the company since 2010."
"We haven't eaten anything since breakfast."

Alternative Correct Sentence Structures

While "They haven't seen any movies since March" is the most direct correction, other grammatically correct options exist:

"They have not seen any movies since March." (More formal)
"They haven't watched any movies since March." (Using 'watched' as a synonym for 'seen')

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct sentence is "They haven't seen any movies since March," as it accurately employs the present perfect tense to convey a continuous period of not seeing movies from March until the present. Mastery of basic English grammar, particularly tense usage, is essential for effective communication and a strong performance in the UPSC examination.

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.

Evaluate your handwritten answer in under a minute

Free trial available • Trusted by 1,00,000+ aspirants

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues to have an effect in the present. It is formed using 'have/has' + past participle of the verb.

Tense

Tense refers to the form of a verb that indicates the time of an action or state of being. English has three main tenses: past, present, and future, each with four aspects: simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous.

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 2022 study by Cambridge Assessment English found that strong English language skills correlate with a 15-20% higher earning potential in the global job market.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English (2022)

Examples

Impact of Correct Grammar in Official Communication

In 2018, a misinterpretation of a clause in a government order due to grammatical ambiguity led to a delay in the disbursement of funds for a crucial infrastructure project in Bihar. This highlights the importance of precise language in official documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between 'since' and 'for' when used with the present perfect?

'Since' is used to indicate a specific starting point in time (e.g., "since March"). 'For' is used to indicate a duration of time (e.g., "for five years").

Topics Covered

Language SkillsGeneral StudiesGrammarTenseTime Expression

Back to all ENGLISH-COMPULSORY 2016 questions