Improving Sentence Structure

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Questions and Answers

What is the main idea behind the comparison of building a house and writing a sentence?

To highlight the importance of using only the best materials in building a house

To illustrate the importance of proper arrangement of components in achieving a desired outcome (correct)

To show that building a house is easier than writing a sentence

To demonstrate the difference between building a house and writing a sentence

What is the primary reason why sentence structure is important in English?

Because of the use of modifiers in sentences (correct)

Because of the complexity of the English language

Because of the variety of sentence structures available

Because of the need for clarity in writing

What is the effect of putting a modifier in the wrong place in a sentence?

It adds clarity to the sentence

It adds confusion to the sentence (correct)

It has no effect on the sentence

It makes the sentence more concise

What is the difference between the sentences 'Only I love you!' and 'I love only you!'?

The meaning of the sentences is different Signup and view all the answers

What type of modifier is often problematic in sentences?

Dangling modifiers Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of having all the necessary parts of a sentence in the wrong order?

A sentence that lacks style and function Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of improving sentence structure in writing?

To make the writing more stylish and effective Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of poorly structured sentences?

Sentence fragments occur Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue with passive voice sentences?

They are difficult to follow Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ensure the information within a sentence is clear?

To ensure the reader can easily follow along Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of transitional words in a sentence?

To help the reader follow along Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with subordinate clauses in a sentence?

Use them to begin or end a sentence Signup and view all the answers

What type of sentence is easier to read and understand?

Active voice sentence Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using active verbs in a sentence?

They make the sentence easier to read Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of following traditional grammatical rules?

Good sentence structure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Importance of Improving Sentence Structure

Sentence structure matters because of the use of modifiers in English, which can add confusion instead of clarity to a sentence if not placed correctly.

Modifiers and Sentence Structure

A modifier is a word or phrase that provides description in a sentence.
Putting a modifier in the wrong place can add confusion to a sentence.
Example: 'Only I love you!' vs. 'I love only you!'

Dangling Modifiers

A dangling modifier is a modifier that is not clearly linked to the word it modifies.
Example: 'To improve his building skills, a video was watched.' vs. 'In order to improve his building skills, our friend watched a video.'

Sentence Fragments

A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence.
Sentence fragments can be incomplete because they are no longer attached to their clauses.
Example: 'It is important to eat vegetables every day. Having a variety.' vs. 'Having a variety of vegetables can help us consume more of them.'

Run-on Sentences

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunction.

Passive Voice

Passive voice makes a sentence harder to follow.
In passive voice, the target of an action is put in the subject position even though they aren't doing anything.
Example: 'The doll was bathed by Sally.' vs. 'Sally bathed the doll.'