My goodness, someone away my phone and left his in its place by mistake. (Take)

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and understanding of verb tenses, specifically the past tense. The directive "Take" implies a correction or rewriting of the sentence. The approach involves identifying the grammatical error (incorrect verb usage) and providing the corrected sentence. The answer should be concise and directly address the error. No elaborate explanation is needed, just the corrected sentence.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The given sentence, "My goodness, someone away my phone and left his in its place by mistake," contains a grammatical error in the verb usage. The correct form of the verb 'take' in the past tense, indicating an action completed in the past, is 'took'. The sentence requires correction to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity. This simple exercise tests a fundamental understanding of English grammar, crucial for effective communication in the UPSC examination, particularly in answer writing.

The corrected sentence is:

My goodness, someone took away my phone and left his in its place by mistake.

Explanation of the Correction

Identifying the Error

The original sentence uses "away" as an adverb modifying the verb "take". While "away" can be used with "take" (e.g., "take something away"), the correct past tense of "take" is "took".

Correcting the Verb Tense

Replacing "take" with "took" ensures the sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning – that the action of removing the phone happened in the past.

Understanding Phrasal Verbs

“Took away” functions as a phrasal verb, meaning the combination of “took” and “away” creates a new meaning distinct from the individual words. In this context, it means to remove or carry something from a place.

Sentence Structure

The corrected sentence maintains the original structure and meaning while adhering to proper English grammar. The use of "his" correctly refers to the person who mistakenly left their phone.

Conclusion

The correction of this sentence demonstrates the importance of accurate verb tense usage in English grammar. While seemingly simple, such errors can detract from the clarity and professionalism of written communication. Mastering these fundamental grammatical principles is essential for aspirants preparing for the UPSC examination, where precise and articulate writing is highly valued.

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

Verb Tense

Verb tense indicates when an action took place – past, present, or future. Correct tense usage is crucial for clear communication.

Phrasal Verb

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a preposition or adverb that creates a new meaning. Examples include "look up," "take off," and "give in."

Key Statistics

According to a 2022 study by Cambridge Assessment English, approximately 60% of non-native English speakers struggle with accurate verb tense usage in formal writing.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English, 2022

A 2021 report by the British Council indicated that strong English language skills correlate with a 20-30% higher earning potential in India.

Source: British Council, 2021

Examples

Common Verb Tense Errors

A common error is confusing "past simple" and "present perfect" tenses. For example, saying "I have went to the store" instead of "I went to the store."

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Why is correct grammar important in UPSC Mains?

Correct grammar ensures clarity, precision, and professionalism in your answers. It demonstrates your ability to articulate thoughts effectively, which is a key evaluation criterion.

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