Transcript Using Correct Sentence Formation Finely Built

Finely Built
Using Correct Sentence Formation
•Copyright 2014 by Write Score, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Common Mistakes
1. Comma
Splice
5.
Unparalleled
structure
2. Run-on
Common
mistakes in
sentence
formation
4. Wordiness
3. Sentence
Fragment
#1 Comma Splice
Common Mistake:
Using a comma to join two independent clauses.
Example:
Benjamin walked through the mall, he was heading
for his favorite store.
#1 Comma Splice
Solutions:
Either join the two independent clauses with a
conjunction or make each clause its own sentence.
Example:
Benjamin walked through the mall, and he was
heading for his favorite store.
Benjamin walked through the mall. He was heading
for his favorite store.
#2 Run-On
Run-On:
A sentence in which two independent clauses are
joined without appropriate punctuation or
conjunction (Note: Comma splices can be
considered one type of run-on).
Example:
Harriet entered the movie theater she saw her
friend.
#2 Run-On
Solutions:
Either join the two independent clauses with a
conjunction or make each clause its own sentence.
In this case, it makes more sense to use a
coordinating conjunction. Notice that inserting
“and then” also requires the insertion of a comma.
Example:
Harriet entered the movie theater, and then she
saw her friend.
#3 Fragment
Fragment:
A piece of a sentence that does not contain an
independent clause; either a subject or a verb is
missing.
Example:
Sheila in her mom’s car.
#3 Fragment
Solution:
Insert words to make an independent clause.
Then, the fragment will become a complete
sentence.
Example:
Sheila got into her mom’s car. (verb added)
#4 Wordiness
Wordiness:
Using more words than are necessary to make
the intended point.
Example:
Because Eric hadn’t done his homework that
was due the week before, he was grounded
by his mother.
#4 Wordiness
Solutions:
Include one or more of the following:
o omit filler phrases (there is, it is)
o avoid using which/that
o use strong verbs versus weak verbs
o use an active rather than passive voice
o replace long prepositional phrases with shorter modifiers
Example:
Since Eric hadn’t done his homework the
previous week, his mother grounded him.
#5 Unparalleled Structure
Unparalleled structure:
Using an “uneven” pattern of words when
trying to show that two or more ideas have
the same level of performance; ideas of
similar importance should be expressed (or
parallel) in structure.
Example:
Jason claims that his best talents are running
track, playing basketball, and to swim relays.
#5 Unparalleled Structure
Solution:
Change the “unparalleled” part of this sentence,
so that it matches the majority of the ideas you
are presenting.
Example:
Jason claims that his best talents are running
track, playing basketball, and swimming relays.
Sentence Formation
Error Codes
C = Comma splice
R = Run-on
F = Fragment
W = Wordiness
U = Unparalleled structure
You Try…
Use the sample text to mark for common
grammatical mistakes.
Be sure to use the error codes.
C = Comma splice
R = Run-on
F = Fragment
W = Wordiness
U = Unparalleled structure
Trade and Review
Look at your partner’s markings.
Did they see something you missed?
Did you see something they missed?
Did you mark everything the same or differently?
Final Thoughts
Be sure to reflect upon 5 common mistakes.
Review your graded work.
Do you see any patterns of these common
mistakes?
Use the solutions to apply and learn from your
grammatical mistakes.