Common sentence structure mistakes
There are two common mistakes impacting sentence structure: sentence fragments and run-on sentences.
NoteConsider the following questions when writing to avoid sentence structure issues:
|
There are two common mistakes impacting sentence structure: sentence fragments and run-on sentences.
A fragment is an incomplete sentence. In sentence fragments usually the subject or verb are missing. A fragment can also be a dependent clause on its own without being properly linked to an independent clause.
Fragments can be fixed in the following ways:
Attaching the fragment to an independent clause nearby:
Original: Unlike spoken language in which speakers may use dependent clauses as full sentences. In academic writing, dependent clauses should only be used as parts of a sentence.
Revised: Unlike spoken language in which speakers may use dependent clauses as full sentences, in academic writing, dependent clauses should only be used as parts of a sentence.
Including the missing subject, verb or both:
Original: Technology to schedule timetables that cluster classes over fewer days to reduce students’ total commute time.
Revised: The University [subject] can use [verb] technology to schedule timetables that cluster classes over fewer days to reduce students’ total commute time.
Run-on sentences occur when two or more complete sentences get connected to each other without any punctuation.
Run-on sentences can be fixed in the following ways:
Separating the independent clauses to two simple sentences with a full stop:
Original: It sometimes takes more than a decade to implement research findings in clinical practice it is often difficult to sustain innovations over time.
Revised: It sometimes takes more than a decade to implement research findings in clinical practice. It is often difficult to sustain innovations over time.
Separating the independent clauses with a semicolon:
Original: Participants were informed that the interview was confidential they were also given a consent form to sign before the interview.
Revised: Participants were informed that the interview was confidential; they were also given a consent form to sign.
Separating the independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
Original: On-the-job training is perceived as a more efficient way of implementing research results into practice it is at the same time more resource-intensive.
Revised: On-the-job training is perceived as a more efficient way of implementing research results into practice, but it is at the same time more resource-intensive.
NoteConsider the following questions when writing to avoid sentence structure issues:
|