UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY202310 Marks
Q46.

My friend does not drink. He does not smoke. (Combine the sentences using 'neither - nor')

How to Approach

This question tests basic English grammar, specifically the correct usage of the correlative conjunction 'neither-nor'. The approach involves understanding the meaning of the original sentences and then combining them using the appropriate grammatical structure. The answer should be concise and grammatically accurate. No elaborate introduction or conclusion is needed for such a straightforward question. The focus is on demonstrating a clear understanding of the grammatical rule.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The question requires the combination of two negative statements into a single sentence using the correlative conjunction 'neither-nor'. Correlative conjunctions connect two equal grammatical elements in a sentence. 'Neither-nor' is used to indicate that both elements are negative or do not apply. This is a fundamental aspect of English grammar and is frequently tested in competitive examinations to assess language proficiency.

The given sentences are:

  • My friend does not drink.
  • He does not smoke.

Combining these sentences using 'neither-nor' results in:

My friend neither drinks nor smokes.

Here's a breakdown of the grammatical structure:

  • 'Neither' precedes the first negative verb ('drink').
  • 'Nor' precedes the second negative verb ('smoke').
  • The verb 'does' is omitted after 'nor' to avoid redundancy.

The sentence maintains the original meaning while being more concise and grammatically correct. The use of 'neither-nor' effectively conveys that the friend abstains from both drinking and smoking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct combination of the given sentences using 'neither-nor' is "My friend neither drinks nor smokes." This demonstrates a fundamental understanding of English grammar and the proper application of correlative conjunctions. The sentence is concise, grammatically sound, and accurately reflects the original meaning of the two individual statements.

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

Correlative Conjunction
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect two equal grammatical elements in a sentence. Examples include 'either-or', 'neither-nor', 'both-and', 'not only-but also'.
Conjunction
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. They are essential for building complex sentences and expressing relationships between ideas.

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 study by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 39% of the global population aged 15 years and older currently smoke tobacco.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO), 2023

As per the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, alcohol use contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally.

Source: Global Burden of Disease Study, 2019

Examples

Public Health Campaigns

Public health campaigns often emphasize the benefits of avoiding both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, promoting a healthy lifestyle. These campaigns frequently use the 'neither-nor' structure in their messaging, such as "Neither smoke nor drink to maintain good health."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'neither' and 'nor'?

'Neither' is used before the first negative idea, while 'nor' is used before the second. They always appear together to connect two negative statements.