2.8. The Following Sentences Have Deliberated Grammatical Errors. 1. Indicate The Type Of Error Committed. 2. Explain Why It Is Ungrammatical And (3) Give Its Correct Version.a) Additionally, Students Were Also Taught Poetry.b) You Can Be Able To Pass
This article delves into the intricate world of grammar, specifically focusing on the identification, explanation, and correction of grammatical errors in sentences. We will dissect two sentences, pinpointing the errors, elucidating the reasons for their ungrammaticality, and providing the accurate versions. Understanding these concepts is crucial for effective communication and clarity in writing. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply someone who appreciates the nuances of language, this exploration of grammatical precision will undoubtedly enhance your understanding and application of English grammar. Let's embark on this journey of linguistic refinement, ensuring that our written expressions are not only grammatically sound but also convey our intended message with accuracy and impact.
a) Additionally, students were also taught poetry.
This sentence presents a subtle yet significant grammatical flaw rooted in redundancy. The inclusion of both "additionally" and "also" creates an unnecessary repetition of the same idea, making the sentence sound awkward and verbose. To truly grasp the grammatical error here, we need to understand the function of these words and how they interact within the sentence structure. "Additionally" serves as an adverb that introduces extra information or an additional point, while "also" performs a similar role, indicating inclusion or supplement. Using them together is akin to saying the same thing twice, which diminishes the sentence's clarity and conciseness.
Type of Error: Redundancy
The specific type of error committed here is redundancy, also known as pleonasm. Redundancy occurs when words or phrases unnecessarily repeat the same meaning. In this instance, both "additionally" and "also" serve to introduce an extra piece of information, creating a sense of repetition. This not only makes the sentence longer than necessary but also weakens its impact. Effective writing strives for conciseness and precision, ensuring that each word contributes meaningfully to the overall message. Redundancy, on the other hand, clutters the sentence and detracts from the intended meaning. Identifying and eliminating redundancy is a key aspect of polishing one's writing and achieving clarity.
Explanation of Ungrammaticality
The sentence is ungrammatical, or rather, stylistically weak, because the words "additionally" and "also" overlap in meaning. Both words introduce an additional point, so using them together is repetitive. This redundancy doesn't strictly violate any grammatical rules in the traditional sense, but it does violate the principles of effective writing. Good writing is concise and avoids unnecessary repetition. The presence of both words creates a sense of clumsiness and detracts from the sentence's overall clarity. While the sentence might be understood, it lacks the polish and precision that characterize strong writing. The goal of clear communication is to convey information efficiently and effectively, and redundancy hinders this process. Therefore, eliminating the unnecessary word enhances the sentence's impact and readability.
Correct Version
To correct the sentence and eliminate the redundancy, we can simply remove either "additionally" or "also." Here are two possible corrected versions:
- Additionally, students were taught poetry.
- Students were also taught poetry.
Both of these versions are grammatically sound and convey the same meaning as the original sentence, but they do so with greater clarity and conciseness. By removing the redundant word, the sentence becomes more streamlined and impactful. The choice between using "additionally" or "also" often comes down to personal preference and the desired emphasis. "Additionally" might be used to introduce a more significant or formal addition, while "also" might be used for a more casual addition. However, either option is preferable to using both words together.
b) You can be able to pass
This seemingly simple sentence harbors a grammatical error related to the misuse of modal verbs. Modal verbs, such as "can" and "be able to," express possibility, ability, permission, or obligation. The problem in this sentence lies in the combination of two modal verbs with similar meanings, creating a redundancy and a grammatically awkward construction. To dissect this error effectively, we need to delve into the specific functions of modal verbs and how they interact within sentence structures. Understanding these nuances is crucial for crafting grammatically sound and clear sentences. This analysis will provide a deeper understanding of modal verbs and their correct usage.
Type of Error: Misuse of Modal Verbs
The type of error committed in this sentence is the misuse of modal verbs, specifically the redundant use of two modal verbs expressing the same ability or possibility. Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that add nuances of meaning to the main verb, such as ability (can, could), possibility (may, might), permission (can, may), and obligation (must, should). The error arises when two modal verbs with similar meanings are used together, creating a grammatically incorrect and stylistically awkward construction. In this case, "can" and "be able to" both express the ability to do something, and using them together is redundant. This misuse of modal verbs is a common error, particularly for those learning English as a second language, as it highlights the importance of understanding the specific functions and limitations of each modal verb.
Explanation of Ungrammaticality
The sentence "You can be able to pass" is ungrammatical because it uses two modal verbs, "can" and "be able to," to express the same idea – the ability to pass. In English grammar, modal verbs generally do not combine in this way. Each modal verb carries its own specific meaning and grammatical function, and using two modal verbs together to convey a single modal meaning results in redundancy and grammatical awkwardness. The verb "can" inherently expresses ability, and the phrase "be able to" also expresses ability. Therefore, using both together is like saying the same thing twice. This redundancy violates the principle of conciseness in writing and creates a sentence that sounds unnatural and grammatically incorrect. To achieve grammatical accuracy and clarity, one of the modal verbs must be removed or the sentence restructured.
Correct Version
To correct the sentence, we need to eliminate the redundancy by removing one of the modal expressions of ability. Here are two grammatically correct versions:
- You can pass.
- You are able to pass.
Both of these versions convey the same meaning as the original sentence but do so without the grammatical error. The first version uses the modal verb "can," which is a concise and common way to express ability. The second version uses the phrase "are able to," which is slightly more formal but equally grammatically correct. The choice between these two options often depends on the context and the desired level of formality. However, both options are significantly better than the original sentence, which is grammatically flawed due to the redundant use of modal verbs.
By understanding the functions of modal verbs and avoiding their redundant use, writers can ensure that their sentences are clear, concise, and grammatically sound.
This detailed analysis of grammatical errors provides a comprehensive understanding of how to identify, explain, and correct such errors. By mastering these skills, individuals can significantly enhance their writing abilities and communicate more effectively.