UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY202310 Marks
Q45.

Physics is the most interesting of all subjects I study. (Rewrite the sentence using comparative degree)

How to Approach

This question tests the understanding of degrees of comparison in English grammar. The approach involves identifying the positive degree ("most interesting") and transforming it into a comparative degree. The answer should demonstrate a clear understanding of grammatical rules and provide a grammatically correct and meaningful sentence. The focus is on accurate application of comparative structures, avoiding ambiguity and maintaining the original meaning as closely as possible.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The English language employs three degrees of comparison for adjectives: positive, comparative, and superlative. The positive degree describes a single entity, the comparative degree compares two entities, and the superlative degree compares three or more entities. Understanding these degrees is fundamental to constructing clear and nuanced sentences. The given sentence expresses a subjective preference for physics among all subjects studied. Rewriting it in the comparative degree requires careful consideration to maintain the original sentiment while adhering to grammatical correctness.

The original sentence is: "Physics is the most interesting of all subjects I study."

Rewriting in the Comparative Degree

To rewrite the sentence using the comparative degree, we need to compare physics with another subject. Since the original sentence implies physics is superior to all others, we can rephrase it to compare physics with any other subject the speaker studies. Here are a few possible rewrites:

  • Option 1: "Physics is more interesting than any other subject I study."
  • Option 2: "Physics is more interesting than chemistry/history/mathematics (or any other subject)." – This is more specific.
  • Option 3: "Physics is more interesting to me than all other subjects I study." – This emphasizes the subjective nature of the preference.

Explanation of Grammatical Changes

The key change involves replacing "the most interesting" with "more interesting." The comparative degree of most adjectives is formed by adding "more" before the adjective. The phrase "of all" is replaced with "than" to introduce the comparison. Option 1 is the most general and closely reflects the original meaning without specifying a particular subject for comparison. Option 3 adds clarity regarding the subjective nature of the statement.

Why other options are incorrect

Simply adding "-er" to "interesting" (resulting in "interestinger") is grammatically incorrect. "Interesting" is a multi-syllabic adjective, and the "more" construction is the standard way to form its comparative degree. Using "most interesting" maintains the superlative degree, defeating the purpose of the question.

Illustrative Table

Degree Adjective Form Example
Positive Interesting Physics is interesting.
Comparative More Interesting Physics is more interesting than chemistry.
Superlative Most Interesting Physics is the most interesting subject.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most appropriate rewrite of the sentence using the comparative degree is "Physics is more interesting than any other subject I study." This option accurately reflects the original meaning while adhering to the grammatical rules governing comparative adjectives. Understanding the nuances of degrees of comparison is crucial for effective communication and precise expression in the English language. The choice between the provided options depends on the desired level of specificity and emphasis.

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.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Positive Degree
The positive degree of an adjective is used to describe a single noun or pronoun without making any comparison. It simply states a quality or characteristic.
Comparative Degree
The comparative degree of an adjective is used to compare two nouns or pronouns. It indicates that one possesses a quality to a greater or lesser extent than the other.

Key Statistics

Approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English as a first or second language (as of 2023).

Source: Statista (Knowledge cutoff: 2023)

Studies show that individuals with strong English language skills earn, on average, 30-50% more than those with limited proficiency (Source: British Council, 2018).

Source: British Council (Knowledge cutoff: 2018)

Examples

Comparative in Literature

Shakespeare frequently used comparative structures in his plays to highlight character traits and create dramatic tension. For example, "Fairer than a summer's day" (Sonnet 18) employs the comparative degree to emphasize the beloved's beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I want to compare physics to a specific subject?

You can simply replace "any other subject" with the name of the subject you want to compare physics to. For example, "Physics is more interesting than mathematics."