Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The sentence "I envied he his success" contains a grammatical error related to the correct usage of the verb 'envy' and the pronoun 'him'. 'Envy' is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. Furthermore, the correct pronoun to use after 'envy' is 'him' or 'her', not 'he'. The possessive pronoun 'his' is also incorrectly placed. Understanding these nuances of English grammar is crucial for effective communication and is often tested in competitive examinations like the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Identifying the Error
The primary error lies in the incorrect construction following the verb 'envy'. 'Envy' functions as a transitive verb, demanding an object that represents what is being envied. The sentence attempts to use 'he' as an object, which is incorrect. 'He' is a subject pronoun, not an object pronoun.
Correcting the Sentence
There are two grammatically correct ways to rephrase the sentence:
- Option 1: I envied him his success. (This is the most common and natural phrasing.)
- Option 2: I envied his success. (This implies the envy is directed towards the success itself, without explicitly mentioning the person.)
Explanation of the Correction
In the first corrected sentence, 'him' functions as the direct object of the verb 'envy'. It clarifies that the envy is directed towards the person who achieved the success. The possessive pronoun 'his' correctly modifies 'success', indicating whose success is being envied.
In the second corrected sentence, the direct object is 'his success'. This construction is also grammatically sound and conveys a similar meaning, though it's less personal.
Grammatical Rules Illustrated
- Transitive Verbs: These verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning (e.g., envy, love, hate).
- Subject vs. Object Pronouns: 'He' is a subject pronoun (used when the pronoun is performing the action), while 'him' is an object pronoun (used when the pronoun is receiving the action).
- Possessive Pronouns: 'His' indicates ownership or belonging.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is to confuse subject and object pronouns. Another is to incorrectly place possessive pronouns. Understanding the function of each word in a sentence is key to avoiding these errors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original sentence "I envied he his success" is grammatically incorrect due to the misuse of the verb 'envy' and the incorrect pronoun case. The corrected sentences, "I envied him his success" or "I envied his success," demonstrate the proper application of transitive verbs, object pronouns, and possessive pronouns. A strong grasp of these fundamental grammatical principles is essential for clear and effective written communication.
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.