UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20245 Marks
Q29.

We need rain, the garden so dry. (be)

How to Approach

This question is a grammatical exercise testing the understanding of verb 'to be' and its correct usage in a sentence. The approach should be to identify the subject and verb, and then correctly conjugate the verb 'to be' based on the subject. The answer should demonstrate a clear understanding of English grammar rules. The focus is on accuracy and clarity. No elaborate introduction or conclusion is needed; a direct and correct answer is sufficient.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The question presents a simple sentence requiring the correct form of the verb "to be." This tests a fundamental aspect of English grammar – subject-verb agreement. Correctly identifying the subject and applying the appropriate conjugation of 'to be' (am, is, are, was, were, been, being) is crucial. The sentence expresses a need, highlighting the dryness of the garden.

The correct sentence is: We need rain, the garden is so dry.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is "the garden." Therefore, the verb "to be" must be conjugated to agree with the singular noun "garden." The correct form is "is."

Grammatical Breakdown

  • Subject: The garden
  • Verb: is
  • Adjective: dry

The sentence structure follows a simple Subject-Verb-Adjective pattern. The phrase "We need rain" acts as an introductory clause setting the context for the garden's condition.

Alternative phrasing (less direct answer to the prompt)

While grammatically correct, alternatives like "We need rain, for the garden is so dry" or "We need rain; the garden is so dry" are less direct responses to the prompt, which simply asks to 'be' something into the sentence.

Conclusion

The question effectively tests a basic understanding of English grammar, specifically subject-verb agreement. The correct answer, "We need rain, the garden is so dry," demonstrates a clear grasp of this fundamental principle. The exercise highlights the importance of accurate verb conjugation for clear and effective 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.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Subject-Verb Agreement
The grammatical rule stating that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.
Conjugation
The process of changing a verb to show different tenses, moods, numbers, and persons.

Key Statistics

Approximately 20% of grammatical errors in written English stem from incorrect subject-verb agreement (based on analysis of common writing errors, 2023).

Source: Grammarly Blog - Common Writing Errors

Research indicates that errors in verb conjugation account for approximately 15% of all errors made by non-native English speakers (Cambridge University Press, 2022).

Source: Cambridge University Press - English Language Teaching Research

Examples

Incorrect vs. Correct

Incorrect: "The dogs is barking." Correct: "The dogs are barking." This illustrates the importance of using "are" with a plural subject ("dogs").

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the subject is a collective noun?

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family) can be singular or plural depending on whether they are acting as a unit or as individuals. If acting as a unit, use a singular verb; if acting as individuals, use a plural verb.