Sentence Errors A Lesson in English.pptx

This is a lecture about sentence errors that helps students and people in identifying the corrections and errors usually done in making sentences.

1. Sentence errors

2. Sentence Errors The majority of errors in sentence writing are in three specific areas: Run-ons Fragments Comma splices Each of these errors is easy to correct.

3. Meet the FANBOYS Did you know that you can separate two complete sentences with a comma only if you use one of the FANBOYS? F A N B O Y S For And Nor But Or Yet So

4. Run On Sentences

5. Fixing run-ons: there are options. Option one: separate the two complete sentences using a period. The global food crisis is a threat to Africa. Many children are dying of hunger. Option two: join them by using a semi-colon. The global food crisis is a threat to Africa; many children are dying of hunger.

6. More options for run-ons Option three: Separate them by a comma and a FANBOYS: The global food crisis is a threat to Africa, and many children are dying of hunger. Option four: Find ways to join them by subordination. As a result of the global food crisis in Africa, many children are dying of hunger.

7. Comma Splices

8. Comma Splices The incorrect use of a comma to join two independent clauses Example: My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together.

9. Fix # 1 Make the sentence into two separate sentences. Incorrect : My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together. Correct : My family bakes together nearly every night. We then get to enjoy everything we make together.

10. Fix # 2 Add a semicolon between the two sentences if the sentences are closely related. Incorrect : My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together. Correct: My family bakes together nearly every night; we then get to enjoy everything we make together.

11. Fix #3 Revise the sentence and add subordinating conjunction in front of the sentence. Incorrect: My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together. Correct: Since my family bakes together nearly every night, we get to enjoy everything we make together.

12. Fix # 4 Use a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb (therefore, then, however, consequently, etc.) Incorrect: My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together. Correct: My family bakes together nearly every night; then, we get to enjoy everything we make together.

13. Fix # 5 Add a conjunction (FANBOYS) and a comma Incorrect: My family bakes together nearly every night, we then get to enjoy everything we make together. Correct: My family bakes together nearly every night, and we get to enjoy everything we make together.

14. Fragments

15. Fragments Fragments are incomplete sentences. They are partial ideas, leaving the reader to think, “What does this mean?” They may lack a verb, a subject, or both. Examples: Whenever she asks. As this was a great opportunity. Finding nowhere to turn

16. Fixing Fragments Option one: Add a subject or a verb until the sentence makes complete sense as a stand-alone thought. Finding nowhere to turn. Ask yourself “Who am I talking about?” Finding nowhere to turn, the young man eventually turned to alcohol and drugs.

17. Fixing fragments: Another option Option two: join them to the previous or next sentence. My uncle always gives Janet the car. Whenever she asks. My uncle always gives Janet the car whenever she asks.

18. Parallel Structures

19. Parallel Structure The repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence Definition Good parallel structure improves the clarity of your writing Why We Care

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21. Parallelism in Sentences Poor: Betty has intelligence, honesty, and she is funny. Improved: Betty has intelligence, honesty, and humor. 21

22. 22 Parallel Structure..?

23. Importance of Parallelism When you write a thesis statement, often you have to summarize three reasons in parallel form. Example: Tobacco should be outlawed because it endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy. 23

24. Parallelism in Thesis Statements Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ failed in their relationship because he was older than her, Scientology, and being a celebrity. Improved: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ relationship failed due to their age difference, their religious beliefs, and their fame. 24

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26. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. I wondered whether to make an outline first or I should write the rough draft. B. I wondered whether to make an outline first or to write the rough draft. C. I wondered whether to make an outline first or writing rough draft. D. I wondered whether to make an outline first or that I should write a rough draft. 26

27. A. I wondered whether to make an outline first or I should write the rough draft. B. I wondered whether to make an outline first or to write the rough draft. C. I wondered whether to make an outline first or writing rough draft. D. I wondered whether to make an outline first or that I should write a rough draft. 27

28. A. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, they give detailed examples, and their personal experiences also. B. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, examples, and personal experiences. C. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, examples, and their personal experiences . D. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors , giving examples, and personal experiences . 28 Choose the sentence that has parallel structure .

29. A. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, they give detailed examples, and their personal experiences also. B. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors , examples, and personal experiences. C . The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, examples, and their personal experiences . D. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, giving examples, and personal experiences. 29