Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The sentence "He died with fever" is grammatically correct but stylistically awkward and potentially ambiguous. While understandable, it doesn’t convey the most precise meaning. The preposition "with" suggests the fever was a concurrent condition rather than the cause of death. Effective communication requires clarity and precision, especially in formal writing. This response will analyze the original sentence and offer several revisions, explaining the rationale behind each change to demonstrate a strong command of English grammar and style.
Analysis of the Original Sentence
The original sentence, "He died with fever," implies that the person was suffering from fever at the time of death, but doesn't explicitly state that the fever *caused* the death. This ambiguity can be problematic. The preposition "with" indicates accompaniment, not causation. It's similar to saying "He travelled with a suitcase" – the suitcase didn't cause the travel.
Revised Sentences and Explanations
Revision 1: "He died of fever."
This is the most common and grammatically preferred revision. The preposition "of" is used to indicate the cause of death. It clearly states that the fever was the reason for his demise. This is a direct and unambiguous statement.
Revision 2: "He died from fever."
While less common than "died of," "died from" is also acceptable and conveys the same meaning – that the fever was the cause of death. It's often used when the cause is a disease or condition. However, "died of" is generally considered more formal and standard.
Revision 3: "He succumbed to fever."
This revision uses a more formal and literary tone. "Succumbed to" means to give way to or yield to a force, in this case, the fever. It implies a gradual weakening and eventual death due to the illness. This is a more evocative phrasing.
Revision 4: "Fever caused his death."
This is a more direct and active voice construction. It explicitly states the causal relationship between the fever and the death. It's a clear and concise way to convey the information.
Revision 5: "He died as a result of fever."
This is a more elaborate phrasing that emphasizes the causal link. It's suitable for formal reports or medical documentation where precision is paramount. It leaves no room for ambiguity.
Comparative Table of Revisions
| Revision | Grammatical Correctness | Clarity | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| He died of fever. | Excellent | Excellent | Standard |
| He died from fever. | Good | Excellent | Less Formal |
| He succumbed to fever. | Excellent | Good | Formal/Literary |
| Fever caused his death. | Excellent | Excellent | Direct |
| He died as a result of fever. | Excellent | Excellent | Very Formal |
Considerations for Context
The best revision will depend on the context in which the sentence is used. For a news report, "He died of fever" is likely the most appropriate choice. For a medical report, "He died as a result of fever" might be preferred. For a fictional narrative, "He succumbed to fever" could add a more dramatic effect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the original sentence "He died with fever" is not incorrect, it lacks the clarity and precision expected in formal English. Revising it to "He died of fever" or using alternative phrasing like "He succumbed to fever" or "Fever caused his death" significantly improves the sentence's effectiveness. The choice of revision depends on the desired tone and the specific context of the writing. A strong command of language involves recognizing such nuances and making informed choices to ensure clear and accurate communication.
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.