Sentence Construction

Mastering Sentence Structure

A comprehensive guide to understanding and using sentence structure effectively in writing. Learn how to construct grammatically correct and coherent sentences to enhance your communication skills.

Mastering Sentence Structure

• Sentence Basics: A complete sentence is made up of at least 1 independent clause.

• Subject and Predicate: A subject and a verb (predicate) make a sentence.

• Types of Clauses: Dependent clauses have a subordinating conjunction or participle phrase.

• Sentence Fragments: Dependent clauses, missing subjects or missing verbs create a fragments.

• Run-on Sentences: 2 independent clauses with nothing between them but a comma, or joining more than 2 independent clauses creates a run-on.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT true?

• A complete sentence has a SUBJECT, a VERB, and a COMPLETE THOUGHT

• Dependent clauses have a SUBJECT, a VERB, and can stand alone.

• An independent clause has a SUBJECT, a VERB, and can stand alone.

• No more than two independent clauses can be joined in one sentence.

Mastering Sentence Structure

• Identifying Sentence Fragments
• Understanding the structure of a complete sentence
• Recognizing common fragment errors
• Strategies for correcting sentence fragments

Multiple Choice

What is the main focus of the passage 'Mastering Sentence Structure'?

• Identifying Sentence Fragments

• Understanding the structure of a complete sentence

• Recognizing common fragment errors

• Strategies for correcting sentence fragments

Types of Sentence Fragments

• A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that lacks a subject, a verb, or both.
• There are three main types of sentence fragments: noun fragments, verb fragments, and dependent clause fragments.
• Noun fragments lack a verb, verb fragments lack a subject, and dependent clause fragments lack an independent clause.
• It is important to identify and revise sentence fragments to ensure clear and complete sentences.

Multiple Choice

What are the three main types of sentence fragments?

• Noun fragments, verb fragments, and dependent clause fragments

• Subject fragments, verb fragments, and independent clause fragments

• Noun fragments, verb fragments, and independent clause fragments

• Subject fragments, verb fragments, and dependent clause fragments

Sentence Fragment Types

Noun fragments are incomplete sentences that lack a subject,

verb fragments lack a verb

dependent clause fragments are incomplete thoughts.


Remember, a complete sentence needs both a subject and a verb!

Recognizing Run-on Sentences

• Definition: A run-on sentence is a sentence that contains two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions.

• Examples: 'I love to read books I also enjoy watching movies.'

• How to recognize: Look for long, unpunctuated sentences or sentences joined by only a comma.

• FIX IT: Separate independent clauses with period, semicolon, or conjunction.

Multiple Choice

What is a run-on sentence?

• A sentence that contains two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions.

• A sentence that contains only one independent clause.

• A sentence that contains multiple dependent clauses.

• A sentence that contains both dependent and independent clauses.

Run-on Sentences

• A run-on sentence contains two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions.

• It is a common mistake in writing and can make the sentence confusing or hard to read.

• Properly punctuating and connecting independent clauses is essential for clear and effective communication.

Mastering Sentence Structure

• Use punctuation correctly to separate independent clauses.
• Avoid using coordinating conjunctions without a comma.
• Break long sentences into shorter, more concise ones.
• Use subordinating conjunctions to connect dependent clauses.
• Proofread for run-on sentences and revise accordingly.

Multiple Choice

Choose best way to fix the following run-on sentence: Howard read Shakespeare fluently he did not have trouble with the language and his mom was British.

• Howard read Shakespeare fluently, and he did not have trouble with the language since his mom was British.

• Howard read Shakespeare fluently, he did not have trouble with the language, and his mom was British.

• Howard read Shakespeare fluently he did not; have trouble with the language since his mom was British.

• Howard read Shakespeare fluently he did not have trouble. With the language and his mom was British.

Breaking Down Sentences

Trivia: Did you know that long sentences can be broken into shorter, more concise ones? This not only improves readability but also enhances clarity and understanding. By eliminating unnecessary words and using proper punctuation, you can create impactful sentences that pack a punch!