Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The correct usage of verbs is fundamental to effective communication in any language, and English is no exception. Mastering verb forms – including tense, aspect, mood, and voice – is essential for clarity and precision. This exercise aims to assess a candidate’s grasp of these core grammatical principles. While the question is incomplete without the sentences containing the bracketed verbs, the principle remains the same: accurate verb conjugation is vital for conveying meaning effectively in formal writing, such as that required for the UPSC Mains examination. The following response assumes the existence of sentences with verbs in brackets, and provides a template for how they would be correctly completed.
Since the question does not provide the sentences with verbs in brackets, I will demonstrate the correct application of verb forms with example sentences. The following examples illustrate how to approach different verb tenses and subject-verb agreement scenarios.
Example Sentences & Correct Verb Forms
Here are some example sentences, assuming bracketed verbs, and their correct forms:
- Original (Example): The committee [decide] on the matter tomorrow.
- Corrected: The committee will decide on the matter tomorrow. (Future Simple – indicating a future action)
- Original (Example): She [be] a doctor for ten years.
- Corrected: She has been a doctor for ten years. (Present Perfect Continuous – indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present)
- Original (Example): They [study] English when the power went out.
- Corrected: They were studying English when the power went out. (Past Continuous – indicating an action in progress at a specific time in the past)
- Original (Example): If I [have] enough money, I would travel the world.
- Corrected: If I had enough money, I would travel the world. (Second Conditional – hypothetical situation)
- Original (Example): The report [submit] by the team yesterday.
- Corrected: The report was submitted by the team yesterday. (Passive Voice, Past Simple)
Key Considerations for Verb Forms
Tense Consistency
Maintaining consistent tense throughout a passage is crucial. Switching tenses unnecessarily can confuse the reader. For example, if a paragraph begins in the past tense, it should generally remain in the past tense unless there's a clear reason to shift.
Subject-Verb Agreement
The verb must agree in number with its subject. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. This is a common area for errors.
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) have specific rules for usage. They are often used to express possibility, obligation, or permission.
Active vs. Passive Voice
Understanding the difference between active and passive voice is important. Active voice is generally more direct and concise, while passive voice can be useful when the actor is unknown or unimportant.
Irregular Verbs
Many English verbs are irregular, meaning their past tense and past participle forms do not follow the standard -ed ending. Memorizing these irregular forms is essential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, accurately using verb forms is a cornerstone of effective English writing. This exercise, though incomplete without the original sentences, highlights the importance of understanding tense, subject-verb agreement, and the nuances of different verb types. A strong command of grammar is not merely a stylistic preference but a fundamental requirement for clear and persuasive communication, particularly in the context of the UPSC Mains examination where precision and clarity are paramount.
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.