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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY201810 Marks
Q23.

The priest was very kind for all of us.

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and the understanding of prepositions. The error lies in the incorrect use of the preposition 'for'. The approach should be to identify the error, explain why it's incorrect, and provide the correct sentence with a justification. The answer should demonstrate a clear understanding of prepositional usage and the nuances of expressing kindness *to* someone, rather than *for* them. Focus on clarity and conciseness.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Correct usage of prepositions is fundamental to clear and effective communication in English. Prepositions indicate relationships between nouns or pronouns and other words in a sentence, and their misuse can alter the intended meaning. The sentence "The priest was very kind for all of us" contains a grammatical error related to the preposition used to express the recipient of the priest’s kindness. This answer will identify the error, explain the correct preposition, and provide a revised sentence, demonstrating a grasp of English grammar principles.

Identifying the Error

The sentence "The priest was very kind for all of us" is grammatically incorrect. The preposition 'for' implies benefit or purpose. While one might do something *for* someone (e.g., "I bought a gift for my mother"), kindness is directed *towards* a person or group.

Correcting the Preposition

The correct preposition to use in this context is 'to'. 'Kind to' is the standard idiom used to express that someone displays kindness towards another person or group. The preposition 'to' indicates the recipient of the kindness.

Revised Sentence

The correct sentence is: "The priest was very kind to all of us."

Explanation of the Correction

Using 'to' clarifies that the priest’s kindness was directed *towards* us, meaning we were the beneficiaries of his kind actions or disposition. 'For' would suggest the priest’s kindness was done *in order to benefit* us, which isn’t the intended meaning. The difference is subtle but crucial for grammatical accuracy.

Illustrative Examples

  • Incorrect: She felt sorry for the homeless.
  • Correct: She felt sorry to see the homeless. (or She felt sorry for their plight - different construction)
  • Incorrect: He was generous for his friends.
  • Correct: He was generous to his friends.

Common Prepositional Errors

Many learners of English struggle with prepositions because their usage is often idiomatic and doesn't follow strict rules. Common errors include confusing 'in' and 'on', 'at' and 'to', and 'for' and 'with'. Mastering these requires extensive reading and practice.

Further Clarification

The sentence could also be phrased as "The priest was very kind towards all of us," although 'to' is more common and natural in this context. 'Towards' is a slightly more formal alternative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the original sentence contained a grammatical error due to the incorrect use of the preposition 'for'. Replacing it with 'to' corrects the sentence and accurately conveys the intended meaning – that the priest’s kindness was directed towards the group. A strong grasp of prepositions is essential for clear and effective English communication, and recognizing these subtle errors is a key aspect of language 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

Preposition
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. Common prepositions include 'to', 'from', 'in', 'on', 'at', 'with', 'for', and 'by'.
Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of its individual words. "Kind to" is an example of an idiomatic expression.

Key Statistics

According to a 2022 study by Cambridge Assessment English, errors in preposition usage are among the most common grammatical errors made by non-native English speakers.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English (2022)

Research indicates that approximately 80% of communication is non-verbal, but the 20% that *is* verbal relies heavily on correct grammar and syntax for clear understanding.

Source: Mehrabian, A. (1967). Communication without words.

Examples

Idiomatic Usage

The phrase "kind to animals" is a common idiom demonstrating the correct usage of 'to' with 'kind'. It would be incorrect to say "kind for animals."

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Is 'towards' always interchangeable with 'to' when expressing kindness?

No, while 'towards' can be used, 'to' is generally more common and natural in expressing kindness. 'Towards' can sometimes imply a more formal or distant relationship.

Topics Covered

Language SkillsEnglishGrammarPrepositions
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