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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20211 Marks
Q14.

My sister prefers dogs than cats.

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar. The core issue is the incorrect use of the comparative structure. The answer should identify the error, explain the correct grammatical form, and provide a corrected sentence. The approach will be to directly address the grammatical mistake, explain the rule of comparison, and offer a revised sentence. The response should be concise and accurate, demonstrating a clear understanding of English grammar.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The sentence "My sister prefers dogs than cats" contains a grammatical error in the comparative construction. When expressing a preference between two options, the correct structure involves using "to" after "prefer" or employing the comparative form with "rather than." This error highlights a common mistake in English usage, particularly concerning comparative adjectives and proper prepositional usage. Correcting this sentence demonstrates a grasp of fundamental English grammatical principles.

Identifying the Error

The error lies in the use of "than" after "prefers." The verb "prefer" requires either a "to" infinitive construction or the "rather...than" structure when comparing two options. Using "than" directly after "prefers" is grammatically incorrect.

Correct Grammatical Structures

There are two correct ways to express this comparison:

  • Prefer + to + infinitive: This structure is used when expressing a general preference. For example, "My sister prefers to have dogs."
  • Prefer + noun/pronoun + rather than + noun/pronoun: This structure is used for direct comparison between two options.

Corrected Sentence

The correct sentence should be either:

  • "My sister prefers dogs to cats."
  • "My sister prefers dogs rather than cats."

Explanation of 'Rather Than'

The phrase "rather than" is used to indicate a preference for one thing over another. It implies a deliberate choice. It's important to note that "rather than" is generally considered more formal than "to."

Comparative Adjectives and Adverbs

While this sentence doesn't directly involve comparative adjectives (like 'bigger' or 'faster'), understanding comparative structures is crucial. Comparative adjectives are formed by adding "-er" or using "more" before the adjective. For example, "Dogs are friendlier than cats."

Common Mistakes with 'Prefer'

A common mistake is to use "prefer to" with a noun. This is incorrect. You must use "prefer" followed by a noun and then "to" before the second noun for comparison. For example, incorrect: "I prefer to coffee tea." Correct: "I prefer coffee to tea."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the original sentence "My sister prefers dogs than cats" is grammatically incorrect due to the misuse of "than" after "prefers." The correct forms are "My sister prefers dogs to cats" or "My sister prefers dogs rather than cats." Understanding these comparative structures is essential for clear and accurate English communication. This seemingly simple error highlights the importance of precise grammatical knowledge.

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
In grammar, the comparative form of an adjective or adverb is used to compare two things. It typically involves adding "-er" to the adjective (e.g., taller, faster) or using "more" before it (e.g., more beautiful, more intelligent).
Preposition
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. Examples include "to," "from," "with," "on," and "at." Correct preposition usage is crucial for grammatical accuracy.

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dogs are owned by approximately 65.1 million U.S. households, while cats are owned by approximately 46.5 million households.

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 2023

A 2022 study by the Pet Food Institute found that approximately 86.9 million U.S. households own a pet dog or cat.

Source: Pet Food Institute, 2022

Examples

Preference in Consumer Choices

Marketing campaigns often leverage the concept of preference. For example, a car advertisement might state, "Consumers prefer our model to the competition due to its superior fuel efficiency." This demonstrates the use of "prefer...to" in a real-world context.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between "prefer" and "like"?

"Prefer" implies a stronger inclination towards one thing over another, indicating a deliberate choice. "Like" simply expresses enjoyment or approval without necessarily implying a comparison. You can like both dogs and cats, but you might prefer dogs.

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