Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The sentence "Be careful for your mother's health" presents a grammatical inaccuracy common in non-native English speakers. While the intention is clear – to express concern for someone’s mother’s well-being – the prepositional usage is incorrect. The imperative mood, used to give commands or express advice, requires a direct object or a specific construction. This answer will dissect the error, explain the correct grammatical structure, and offer alternative, more natural-sounding phrasing, emphasizing politeness and clarity in communication.
Identifying the Grammatical Error
The primary error lies in the use of the preposition "for" after "careful." "Careful" is an adjective, and adjectives don't directly take prepositions in this context. The sentence attempts to link carefulness *to* the mother’s health, which is grammatically awkward. The correct construction involves being careful *about* something, or taking care *of* someone.
Correcting the Sentence
There are several ways to correct the sentence, each with slightly different nuances:
- "Be careful about your mother's health." This is the most direct and grammatically correct correction. "About" correctly links carefulness to the subject of concern.
- "Take care of your mother's health." This is a more idiomatic and common expression, conveying the same meaning in a more natural way. It uses the phrasal verb "take care of," which is frequently used to express concern for someone's well-being.
- "Please be careful about your mother's health." Adding "Please" enhances the politeness of the statement, making it more appropriate in many social contexts.
- "Look after your mother's health." This is another idiomatic expression, similar to "take care of," and is commonly used in British English.
Understanding the Imperative Mood
The imperative mood is used to give commands, make requests, or offer advice. It typically omits the subject ("you") and begins with the base form of the verb. For example:
- "Close the door." (command)
- "Please help me." (request)
- "Be careful." (advice)
When using the imperative mood with concepts like "careful," it's crucial to use the correct preposition or phrasal verb to express the intended meaning.
Politeness and Context
In many situations, adding a polite marker like "please" is essential. The original sentence, even if grammatically correct, could sound abrupt or insensitive. Consider the relationship with the person you are addressing and the overall context when choosing the most appropriate phrasing.
Comparative Analysis of Corrected Sentences
| Sentence | Grammatical Correctness | Politeness | Idiomatic Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Be careful about your mother's health." | Correct | Neutral | Good |
| "Take care of your mother's health." | Correct | Neutral | Excellent |
| "Please be careful about your mother's health." | Correct | Polite | Good |
| "Look after your mother's health." | Correct | Neutral | Good (British English) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original sentence "Be careful for your mother's health" is grammatically incorrect due to the misuse of the preposition "for." Correcting it to "Be careful about your mother's health" or, more naturally, "Take care of your mother's health" resolves the issue. Understanding the nuances of the imperative mood and the importance of politeness in communication are crucial for effective English language use. Choosing the most appropriate phrasing depends on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.
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.