Mastering Sentence Structure

The Importance of Sentence Structure

• Arranging words and phrases in the correct order is essential for clear and effective writing.
• Proper sentence structure enhances both the style and functionality of writing.

Why Sentence Structure Matters

• Sentence structure is important because of the use of modifiers.
• A modifier is a word or phrase that provides description in a sentence.
• Placing modifiers incorrectly can lead to confusion.
• Example of incorrect modifier placement: 'Only I love you!' (implies the speaker is the only person who loves the recipient).
• Corrected example: 'I love only you!' (conveys the intended meaning).
• Dangling modifiers can also cause confusion.
• Example of a dangling modifier: 'To improve his building skills, a video was watched.'
• Corrected example: 'In order to improve his building skills, our friend watched a video.'
• Good sentence structure helps to eliminate sentence fragments, which are incomplete sentences often detached from their clauses.
• Example of a sentence fragment: 'It is important to eat vegetables every day. Having a variety.'
• Corrected example: 'Having a variety of vegetables can help us consume more of them.'
• Avoid run-on sentences, which join independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
• Passive voice can make sentences harder to follow; it places the target of an action in the subject position, even if it is not performing the action.
• Example of passive voice: 'The doll was bathed by Sally.'
• Active voice revision: 'Sally bathed the doll.'
• Active voice creates more engaging writing.

How to Improve Your Sentence Structure

• Ensure clarity by presenting new information after old information, defining terms, and providing clear context.
• Use transitional words to help readers follow your writing, such as 'in addition,' 'however,' 'but,' and 'also.'
• Place subordinate clauses at the beginning or end of the sentence.
• Use active voice for easier readability and understanding.
• Use active verbs to enhance clarity.
• Follow traditional grammatical rules, including correct comma usage, complete sentences, and proper spelling.