Use the correct forms of the verbs in brackets : (v) Ι for you since 10 o'clock. (wait)

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar, specifically the correct usage of tenses. The aspirant needs to identify the appropriate tense (present perfect continuous) to convey the duration of an action that started in the past and continues until the present. The answer should be concise and grammatically correct. No elaborate explanation is required, just the correct sentence.

Model Answer

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Introduction

English grammar forms a crucial part of the Civil Services Examination, particularly the English Compulsory paper. Accurate verb usage is fundamental to clear and effective communication. This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of continuous tenses, specifically the present perfect continuous tense, which is used to describe actions that began in the past and are still ongoing. Correctly identifying and applying this tense demonstrates a strong grasp of English grammar principles.

The correct form of the verb is 'have been waiting'. Therefore, the complete sentence is:

I have been waiting for you since 10 o'clock.

Explanation of Tense Usage

The present perfect continuous tense is formed using 'have/has been + present participle (verb + -ing)'. It is used to emphasize the duration of an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. The phrase 'since 10 o'clock' indicates a specific starting point in the past, and the action of waiting is still ongoing.

Why other tenses are incorrect:

Present Continuous (am/is/are + -ing): This tense describes actions happening *now*, not actions that started in the past and continue.
Present Perfect (have/has + past participle): This tense focuses on the completion of an action, not its duration.
Past Continuous (was/were + -ing): This tense describes actions happening at a specific time in the past.

The use of 'since' necessitates the present perfect continuous tense to accurately reflect the ongoing nature of the waiting period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct answer demonstrates a fundamental understanding of English grammar, specifically the present perfect continuous tense. This tense is crucial for conveying the duration of actions that began in the past and continue into the present. Accurate verb usage is essential for effective communication and is a key skill assessed in the UPSC Civil Services 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.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Present Perfect Continuous Tense

A verb tense used to describe an action that started in the past, continues in the present, and emphasizes the duration of the action. It is formed using 'have/has been + present participle (verb + -ing).

Participle

A form of a verb that can function as an adjective or part of a verb phrase. Present participles end in '-ing' (e.g., waiting, learning), while past participles often end in '-ed' or have irregular forms (e.g., finished, gone).

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 study by Cambridge Assessment English, approximately 65% of non-native English speakers struggle with the correct usage of continuous tenses.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English Report, 2023

As per the EF English Proficiency Index (2023), India ranks 82nd out of 113 countries in English proficiency.

Source: EF English Proficiency Index, 2023

Examples

Learning a New Language

“I have been learning Spanish for two years, and I can now hold a basic conversation.” This sentence uses the present perfect continuous to emphasize the duration of the language learning process.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between the present perfect and present perfect continuous tenses?

The present perfect tense focuses on the completion of an action (e.g., "I have finished my work"), while the present perfect continuous emphasizes the duration of the action (e.g., "I have been working for five hours").

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