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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20235 Marks
Q23.

The decision depends the statement of the witness.

How to Approach

This question is a basic grammar exercise testing understanding of prepositions and sentence construction. The approach should be to identify the correct preposition to complete the sentence logically and grammatically. The answer will involve correcting the sentence with the appropriate preposition, followed by a brief explanation of why that preposition is correct. Focus on clarity and conciseness.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The English language relies heavily on prepositions to establish relationships between words and phrases within a sentence. These small words indicate direction, location, time, or manner. Correct preposition usage is crucial for clear and effective communication. The given sentence, "The decision depends the statement of the witness," is grammatically incomplete and requires a preposition to establish the relationship between 'depends' and 'statement'.

The correct sentence is: The decision depends on the statement of the witness.

Explanation

The preposition "on" is used to indicate reliance or contingency. The decision is not simply related to the statement; it is contingent upon it – it relies on the statement for its justification or outcome. Other prepositions would alter the meaning incorrectly:

  • "The decision depends of the statement" – Incorrect grammar.
  • "The decision depends to the statement" – Incorrect meaning; suggests a direction or purpose.
  • "The decision depends with the statement" – Incorrect meaning; suggests association rather than reliance.

Grammatical Rule: 'Depend on'

The verb "depend" is almost always followed by the preposition "on" when indicating reliance. This is a fixed expression in English grammar. For example:

  • Success depends on hard work.
  • The quality of the product depends on the raw materials used.

Legal Context (Illustrative)

In a legal setting, the phrase "depends on" is frequently used. A judge's ruling might "depend on" the evidence presented, or a verdict might "depend on" the testimony of witnesses. The accuracy of the preposition is vital for legal clarity.

Alternative Sentence Structures

While "depends on" is the most common and natural phrasing, the sentence could be re-structured for stylistic variation, though the core meaning remains the same:

  • The decision is based on the statement of the witness.
  • The statement of the witness is crucial to the decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct preposition to complete the sentence is "on," as it accurately conveys the relationship of reliance between the decision and the witness's statement. Understanding the proper usage of prepositions is fundamental to constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences in English, particularly in formal contexts like legal or academic writing.

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 or group of words used before a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, time, place, spatial relationships, or other connections.
Contingency
A contingency is a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty. The decision being contingent *on* the statement means it's dependent on a future, uncertain event (the statement's validity).

Key Statistics

Approximately 8% of errors in written English are attributed to incorrect preposition usage (based on analysis of student essays, 2018, Oxford University Press).

Source: Oxford University Press, 2018

Studies show that clear and concise writing, including correct preposition usage, increases comprehension rates by up to 20% (Source: American Press Institute, 2015).

Source: American Press Institute, 2015

Examples

Legal Testimony

In a court of law, a judge's decision on a case often depends on the credibility of the witness statements. The accuracy of the testimony is paramount.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Is "depend of" ever correct?

No, "depend of" is almost always incorrect. The correct phrasing is "depend on." "Depend of" is a common error made by non-native English speakers.

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