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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20235 Marks
Q21.

The regulations apply all the employees.

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar and sentence construction. The core issue is the incorrect use of the preposition 'to'. The answer should focus on correcting the sentence, explaining the grammatical error, and providing alternative correct sentences. The approach will be to identify the error, explain the rule of preposition usage with 'apply', and then provide corrected versions. The answer should be concise and grammatically accurate.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The sentence "The regulations apply all the employees" contains a grammatical error related to the correct usage of the verb 'apply' with a preposition when indicating the scope of application. The verb 'apply' in this context requires the preposition 'to' to correctly indicate *who* or *what* the regulations affect. A clear understanding of prepositional usage is crucial for effective communication, particularly in formal writing like that expected in the UPSC examination. Correcting this sentence demonstrates a grasp of fundamental English grammar principles.

Identifying the Error

The original sentence, "The regulations apply all the employees," is grammatically incorrect. The verb 'apply' when meaning 'to be relevant or applicable' or 'to affect' requires the preposition 'to' before the object it affects. The absence of 'to' creates an awkward and incorrect construction.

The Grammatical Rule: 'Apply to'

The phrase 'apply to' is used to indicate that something (like regulations, laws, or principles) is relevant or affects a particular person or group. It establishes a relationship of relevance or impact. Without 'to', the sentence lacks this clear connection.

Corrected Sentences

Here are several grammatically correct alternatives:

  • The regulations apply to all the employees. (Most common and direct correction)
  • These regulations apply to every employee. (Emphasizes individual application)
  • All the employees are subject to these regulations. (Uses a different phrasing to convey the same meaning)

Further Explanation with Examples

Consider these examples to illustrate the correct usage of 'apply to':

  • The new tax laws apply to all citizens.
  • This discount code applies to selected items only.
  • The principles of natural justice apply to administrative proceedings.

Why the Original Sentence is Incorrect – A Deeper Dive

The original sentence attempts to use 'apply' as a transitive verb directly followed by the object 'all the employees'. However, in this context, 'apply' requires a preposition to link it to the object. It's not a direct action *on* the employees, but rather a relevance *to* them. The preposition 'to' clarifies this relationship.

Common Mistakes with 'Apply'

A common mistake is confusing 'apply to' with 'apply for'. 'Apply for' is used when requesting something, such as a job or a visa. For example: "She applied for a loan." Understanding this distinction is vital for accurate English usage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the original sentence "The regulations apply all the employees" is incorrect due to the omission of the preposition 'to'. The correct phrasing, "The regulations apply to all the employees," establishes the necessary grammatical relationship between the regulations and their intended recipients. Mastering such fundamental grammatical rules is essential for clear and effective communication, a skill highly valued in the UPSC examination and beyond.

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', and 'by'.
Transitive Verb
A transitive verb is a verb that takes a direct object. For example, in the sentence "She read a book," "read" is the transitive verb and "book" is the direct object. 'Apply' can be transitive, but often requires a preposition to connect to the object.

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 study by Cambridge Assessment English, approximately 60% of candidates experience difficulties with prepositional usage in formal writing.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English, 2023

A 2022 report by the British Council indicated that errors in English grammar, particularly related to prepositions and articles, are a significant barrier to effective communication in international business.

Source: British Council, 2022

Examples

Incorrect vs. Correct Usage

Incorrect: The policy applies everyone. Correct: The policy applies to everyone. This simple example highlights the crucial role of the preposition 'to' in establishing the correct grammatical relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between 'apply' and 'implement'?

'Apply' means to be relevant or affect something. 'Implement' means to put a plan or system into effect. For example, regulations are *applied* to employees, but a company *implements* those regulations.

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