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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20175 Marks
Q20.

Supply the missing words : (ii) Let us ring the New Year with gaiety.

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and vocabulary. The task requires identifying the appropriate word(s) to complete the sentence, ensuring grammatical correctness and contextual relevance. The approach involves understanding the sentence's intent and selecting words that maintain its meaning and flow. Focus should be on choosing words that fit the celebratory tone implied by "gaiety."

Model Answer

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Introduction

The English language, as a cornerstone of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, is assessed not only for comprehension and writing skills but also for a strong grasp of grammar and vocabulary. Questions like these, focusing on filling in the blanks, are designed to evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in using language accurately and effectively. The ability to discern the correct word choice demonstrates a nuanced understanding of English syntax and semantics, crucial for clear and concise communication in the demanding role of a civil servant. This question specifically tests the ability to complete a sentence with a fitting phrase that conveys a positive and celebratory sentiment.

The complete sentence is: "Let us ring in the New Year with gaiety."

Explanation of the Correct Phrase

The phrase "ring in" is an idiomatic expression meaning to welcome or celebrate the arrival of something, particularly a new year. It's a common and culturally understood way to express the joy and anticipation associated with the New Year. "Ring the New Year" without "in" is grammatically incorrect and doesn't convey the intended meaning.

Why other options are incorrect:

  • "Ring the New Year" - While seemingly plausible, it lacks the idiomatic force of "ring in."
  • "Welcome the New Year" - Although correct in meaning, it doesn't match the poetic and celebratory tone of the original sentence.
  • "Greet the New Year" - Similar to "welcome," it's accurate but less evocative.

Grammatical Considerations

The verb "ring" requires a preposition to connect it to the object "New Year" in this context. "Ring" in this sense isn't a simple action; it's part of a fixed expression. The preposition "in" completes the idiom and makes the sentence grammatically sound.

Contextual Relevance

The word "gaiety" implies a joyful and festive atmosphere. "Ring in" perfectly complements this sentiment, creating a cohesive and celebratory tone. The sentence aims to express a positive and hopeful outlook for the coming year.

Example Sentences using "Ring In"

  • "The church bells rang in the new millennium."
  • "We will ring in the holidays with a family gathering."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct phrase to complete the sentence is "ring in." This choice is based on grammatical correctness, idiomatic usage, and contextual relevance. The phrase effectively conveys the celebratory spirit of welcoming the New Year with joy and enthusiasm. A strong command of English idioms and a sensitivity to tone are essential for effective communication, particularly in the context of the UPSC examination and the responsibilities of a civil servant.

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

Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of its individual words. It's a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g., "ring in").
Syntax
Syntax refers to the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language. It governs the grammatical structure of a language.

Key Statistics

Approximately 1.35 billion people speak English as a first or second language worldwide (as of 2023).

Source: Statista (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023)

The Oxford English Dictionary contains over 600,000 headwords and definitions (as of 2023).

Source: Oxford English Dictionary (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023)

Examples

Use of Idioms in Political Discourse

Politicians frequently use idioms to connect with audiences and make their speeches more memorable. For example, a politician might say they are "walking the tightrope" when discussing a difficult policy decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between "ring" and "ring in"?

"Ring" simply means to make a ringing sound. "Ring in" is an idiom meaning to welcome or celebrate the arrival of something, typically a new year or event.

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