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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20185 Marks
Q31.

The book has the test of time. (stand)

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and the correct usage of verbs. The sentence is incomplete and requires the correct form of the verb "stand" to complete the idiom "the test of time." The answer should focus on identifying the correct idiom and its grammatical structure. A concise and accurate response demonstrating understanding of English idioms is expected. No elaborate explanation is needed, just the corrected sentence.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The English language is replete with idioms – phrases whose meanings are not deducible from the literal definitions of the individual words. Correct usage of these idioms is crucial for effective communication. The given sentence presents an incomplete idiom, requiring the correct verb form to convey its intended meaning. Understanding and applying such idiomatic expressions demonstrates a strong command of the language.

The correct sentence is: The book has stood the test of time.

Explanation

The idiom "stand the test of time" means to remain good or relevant despite changes in conditions or tastes. It implies enduring quality or lasting value. The verb "stand" in this context requires the present perfect tense ("has stood") to indicate an action completed at an unspecified time in the past with relevance to the present.

Grammatical Breakdown

  • "The book" – Subject of the sentence.
  • "has stood" – Present perfect tense of the verb "stand," indicating completion of the action.
  • "the test of time" – Object of the verb, forming the complete idiom.

Why other forms are incorrect

  • "The book has stand the test of time" – Incorrect verb form (base form after "has").
  • "The book stood the test of time" – While grammatically correct, it lacks the nuance of enduring relevance implied by the present perfect tense.
  • "The book is standing the test of time" – Suggests an ongoing process, rather than a completed one.

Therefore, "has stood" is the only grammatically correct and idiomatically appropriate verb form to complete the sentence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct completion of the sentence is "The book has stood the test of time." This demonstrates a proper understanding of English idioms and their grammatical requirements. Accurate use of such expressions is vital for clear and effective communication, showcasing linguistic proficiency.

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 the words in it. It's a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.
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 "has/have" + past participle of the verb.

Key Statistics

It is estimated that there are over 25,000 idioms in the English language (based on various linguistic studies as of 2023).

Source: Oxford Learner's Dictionaries

Studies show that native English speakers use idioms approximately every 25-50 words in conversation (based on corpus linguistics research as of 2022).

Source: Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA)

Examples

“Break a leg”

This idiom, commonly used in the performing arts, means "good luck." Its origin is debated, but it's a classic example of an idiom with a non-literal meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between a phrase and an idiom?

A phrase is a group of related words, while an idiom is a phrase with a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of its individual words. All idioms are phrases, but not all phrases are idioms.

Topics Covered

Language SkillsEnglishGrammarVocabulary
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