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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY201810 Marks
Q18.

A Sikh, tall than any of his comrades, rushed forward.

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and sentence construction. The error lies in the incorrect use of comparative adjectives. The approach should be to identify the error, explain the grammatical rule, and provide the correct sentence. The answer should be concise and demonstrate a clear understanding of comparative and superlative adjective usage. Focus on explaining *why* the original sentence is incorrect and *how* the correction addresses the issue.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The English language relies on precise grammatical structures to convey meaning effectively. Adjectives are used to describe nouns, and comparative adjectives are employed to compare two things. Incorrect usage of comparative forms can lead to ambiguity and grammatical errors. This question presents a sentence with a common error in comparative adjective construction, requiring identification and correction to demonstrate proficiency in English grammar. The sentence, "A Sikh, tall than any of his comrades, rushed forward," contains a flaw in the comparative form of the adjective 'tall'.

Identifying the Error

The error in the sentence lies in the phrase "tall than." The correct comparative form of 'tall' is 'taller,' not 'tall than.' This is a fundamental rule of English grammar regarding the formation of comparative adjectives.

Grammatical Rule: Comparative Adjectives

Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things. The general rule for forming comparative adjectives is as follows:

  • One-syllable adjectives: Add "-er" to the end of the adjective (e.g., tall -> taller, short -> shorter).
  • Two-syllable adjectives ending in "-y": Change the "-y" to "-i" and add "-er" (e.g., happy -> happier, easy -> easier).
  • Two or more syllable adjectives: Use "more" before the adjective (e.g., beautiful -> more beautiful, intelligent -> more intelligent).

The use of "than" follows the comparative adjective, indicating the basis of comparison. The structure should be "adjective + er/more + than."

Corrected Sentence

The correct sentence is: "A Sikh, taller than any of his comrades, rushed forward."

Explanation of Correction

By replacing "tall than" with "taller than," the sentence adheres to the grammatical rules for forming comparative adjectives. 'Taller' correctly indicates that the Sikh's height is being compared to the height of his comrades. The word 'than' correctly introduces the object of comparison – 'any of his comrades'.

Further Examples

  • Incorrect: She is good than me. Correct: She is better than me.
  • Incorrect: This book is interesting than that one. Correct: This book is more interesting than that one.
  • Incorrect: My car is fast than yours. Correct: My car is faster than yours.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is to use "more" with one-syllable adjectives (e.g., "more tall" instead of "taller"). Another mistake is omitting "than" after the comparative adjective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the original sentence contained a grammatical error in the formation of the comparative adjective 'tall'. Correcting it to 'taller' ensures adherence to standard English grammar rules. Understanding the rules governing comparative and superlative adjectives is crucial for clear and effective communication. This seemingly simple error highlights the importance of attention to detail in language usage.

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

Comparative Adjective
An adjective used to compare two things. It typically ends in "-er" or is preceded by "more."
Superlative Adjective
An adjective used to compare three or more things, indicating the highest or lowest degree of a quality. It typically ends in "-est" or is preceded by "most."

Key Statistics

Approximately 1.35 billion people worldwide speak English as a first or second language (as of 2023).

Source: Statista (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023)

Studies show that individuals with strong English language skills earn, on average, 30-50% more than those with limited proficiency (as of 2022).

Source: British Council (Knowledge Cutoff: 2022)

Examples

Comparative Adjectives in Literature

Shakespeare frequently employed comparative adjectives to create vivid imagery and character descriptions. For example, in Hamlet, he uses phrases like "more noble" and "less fortunate" to contrast characters and their fates.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between a comparative and a superlative adjective?

A comparative adjective compares two things (e.g., taller, more beautiful), while a superlative adjective compares three or more things and indicates the highest or lowest degree (e.g., tallest, most beautiful).

Topics Covered

Language SkillsEnglishGrammarComparative Adjectives
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