Sentence Structure Questions Long
In formal writing, there are several common sentence structure errors that writers often make. These errors can negatively impact the clarity and effectiveness of the writing. Some of the most common sentence structure errors in formal writing include:
1. Run-on sentences: This occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Run-on sentences can make the writing confusing and difficult to follow.
Example: I went to the store I bought some groceries.
Correction: I went to the store, and I bought some groceries.
2. Fragments: Fragments are incomplete sentences that lack a subject, verb, or both. They can occur when a writer mistakenly separates a dependent clause or phrase from the main clause.
Example: Because I was tired. (Fragment)
Correction: Because I was tired, I decided to go to bed.
3. Lack of parallel structure: Parallel structure refers to using the same grammatical form for similar elements within a sentence or a series of sentences. Lack of parallel structure can create confusion and disrupt the flow of the writing.
Example: She likes hiking, swimming, and to run. (Incorrect parallel structure)
Correction: She likes hiking, swimming, and running. (Correct parallel structure)
4. Misplaced modifiers: A misplaced modifier occurs when a word or phrase is placed too far away from the word it is intended to modify, resulting in confusion or ambiguity.
Example: I saw a man on my way to work with a telescope. (Implies that the man had a telescope)
Correction: On my way to work, I saw a man with a telescope. (Clarifies that the speaker had the telescope)
5. Lack of subject-verb agreement: Subject-verb agreement refers to ensuring that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number (singular or plural). Errors in subject-verb agreement can make the writing grammatically incorrect.
Example: The group of students was studying. (Incorrect subject-verb agreement)
Correction: The group of students were studying. (Correct subject-verb agreement)
To avoid these common sentence structure errors in formal writing, it is important to proofread and revise your work carefully. Additionally, seeking feedback from others or utilizing grammar-checking tools can help identify and correct any sentence structure errors.