Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Grammatical accuracy is fundamental to effective communication, particularly in formal writing like that required for the UPSC examination. Errors in sentence construction can detract from the clarity and impact of an answer. This question assesses a candidate’s ability to identify and rectify a common grammatical mistake – the incorrect use of articles and adjective forms. Correcting such errors demonstrates attention to detail and a strong command of the English language, crucial skills for a civil servant.
The original sentence is: "Netaji is one of the bravest patriot of the country."
Identifying the Errors
The sentence contains two primary errors:
- Incorrect Article: The use of "the" before "bravest patriot" is incorrect. "One of" is followed by a plural or uncountable noun, or a noun phrase beginning with an indefinite article ("a" or "an").
- Incorrect Noun Form: "Patriot" should be "patriots" because it is used after "one of".
Corrected Sentence
The corrected sentence is: "Netaji is one of the bravest patriots of the country."
Explanation of Corrections
- Replacing "the bravest patriot" with "the bravest patriots" ensures grammatical correctness. "One of" implies a selection from a group, hence the plural form is necessary.
- The article "the" remains before "bravest patriots" as it correctly modifies the superlative adjective.
Alternative Corrected Sentence (Less Common, but Acceptable)
While less common, the following is also grammatically acceptable, though it slightly alters the emphasis:
"Netaji is one of the bravest patriots in the country."
This version uses "in" instead of "of," which is a stylistic choice and doesn't affect the core grammatical correctness.
Why other changes are unnecessary
The rest of the sentence – "Netaji is" and "of the country" – are grammatically sound and do not require alteration. The focus should be solely on correcting the identified errors without introducing unnecessary changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the key to answering this question lies in precise identification of the grammatical errors and their subsequent correction. The corrected sentence, "Netaji is one of the bravest patriots of the country," accurately reflects the intended meaning while adhering to the rules of English grammar. Maintaining the original sentence structure and avoiding extraneous changes are crucial for a complete and accurate response.
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.