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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20175 Marks
Q52.

Choose the appropriate word to fill in the blanks : (iv) After his morning prayers, the priest remained for the rest of the day.

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and vocabulary, specifically the correct use of prepositions and adverbs to indicate state or condition. The key is to understand the context – a priest after prayers – and choose the word that best describes his subsequent state for the remainder of the day. The most suitable word will indicate a state of being, rather than action. Focus on words denoting stillness, quietude, or continued presence.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The English language relies heavily on precise word choice to convey meaning effectively. Prepositions and adverbs, in particular, often determine the nuance of a sentence. This question assesses the ability to select the most appropriate word to complete a sentence, demonstrating a grasp of English grammar and contextual understanding. The sentence describes a priest’s state following a religious practice, requiring a word that reflects a continued, peaceful presence.

The complete sentence is: "After his morning prayers, the priest remained at peace for the rest of the day."

Justification for the Choice: "at peace"

Several options could be considered, but "at peace" is the most fitting for the following reasons:

  • Contextual Relevance: The sentence describes a priest *after* prayers. Prayers are often associated with seeking inner peace and tranquility. "At peace" directly aligns with this context.
  • Grammatical Correctness: "At peace" functions as a predicative phrase, describing the priest’s state of being.
  • Semantic Accuracy: Other options, such as "busy," "alert," or "working," don't logically follow from the act of morning prayers. A priest is not necessarily expected to be actively *doing* something for the entire day after prayers; rather, they might be in a state of contemplation or rest.

Why Other Options are Incorrect

Let's examine why other potential words would be less suitable:

  • Busy: Implies active engagement, which doesn't necessarily follow prayers.
  • Alert: Suggests heightened awareness, not necessarily a state of being after a calming ritual.
  • Working: Too specific; a priest’s duties are varied and not solely defined as "work."
  • Happy: While possible, "at peace" is a more profound and spiritually aligned state for a priest after prayers.
  • Content: Similar to happy, but lacks the depth of spiritual tranquility conveyed by "at peace."

The Importance of Predicative Adjectives/Phrases

This question highlights the importance of understanding predicative adjectives and phrases. These describe the subject of a sentence and follow a linking verb (in this case, "remained"). The phrase must logically and grammatically fit the context.

Example Sentences illustrating correct usage:

  • She remained silent after hearing the news.
  • The dog remained loyal to its owner.
  • He remained optimistic despite the challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "at peace" is the most appropriate phrase to complete the sentence, given the context of a priest after morning prayers. It accurately reflects a state of tranquility and aligns with the spiritual nature of the situation. The question underscores the importance of careful word choice and understanding grammatical structures in English language proficiency. Selecting the right word requires not only knowing its definition but also its contextual relevance and grammatical function.

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

Predicative Adjective/Phrase
An adjective or phrase that follows a linking verb (e.g., be, seem, appear, remain) and describes the subject of the sentence. It essentially renames or describes the subject.
Linking Verb
A verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective that describes or renames the subject. Common linking verbs include 'be' (is, am, are, was, were), 'seem', 'appear', 'become', and 'remain'.

Key Statistics

According to the British Council, over 1.5 billion people speak English worldwide as of 2023.

Source: British Council (2023)

The Oxford English Dictionary contains over 171,476 words in current use, and nearly 47,156 obsolete words as of November 2023.

Source: Oxford English Dictionary (2023)

Examples

Use of "at peace" in Literature

The phrase "at peace" is frequently used in literature to describe a state of inner calm and acceptance, often associated with spiritual or emotional resolution. For example, in many poems, a character finding "peace" signifies the end of a struggle.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between "peaceful" and "at peace"?

"Peaceful" is an adjective describing a place or situation (e.g., a peaceful garden). "At peace" is a phrase describing a *state of being* experienced by a person (e.g., feeling at peace with oneself).

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