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Seven Serious Sentence Errors
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1. SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT ERRORS
2. PARALLEL STRUCTURE ERRORS
3. MISPLACED MODIFIER ERRORS
4. IDIOM ERRORS
5. PRONOUN ERRORS
6. VERB TENSE ERRORS
7. SENTENCE BOUNDARY ERRORS
● HOME ● SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT ERRORS ● PARALLEL STRUCTURE ERRORS
● MISPLACED MODIFIER ERRORS ● IDIOM ERRORS ● PRONOUN ERRORS
● VERB TENSE ERRORS ● SENTENCE BOUNDARY ERRORS
WPx Seven Serious Sentence Errors GUIDE
Appendix
1.SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
ERRORS
EXPLANATIONS
(CONTROL) + CLICK
WHAT IS A SUBJECT
AND WHAT IS A VERB?
RULE:
Subject and verb must agree in number. A
singular subject takes a singular verb. A plural
subject takes a plural verb.
DIFFERENT VERB
PARTS
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
VERBS
DIFFERENT VERB
TENSES
EXAMPLES:
Singular (subject) and verb
The Texas (longhorn) is a symbol of the Wild West.
Each (team) of students is responsible for creating a
marketing plan.
Plural (subject) and verb
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
SUBJECTS
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
NOUNS AND
PRONOUNS
Federally imposed (restrictions) have made it difficult for
small savings banks to compete with money market funds.
(Attempts) to maintain the current level of funding have not
been successful.
● HOME ● SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT ERRORS ● PARALLEL STRUCTURE ERRORS
● MISPLACED MODIFIER ERRORS ● IDIOM ERRORS ● PRONOUN ERRORS
● VERB TENSE ERRORS ● SENTENCE BOUNDARY ERRORS
WPx Seven Serious Sentence Errors GUIDE
Appendix
2.PARALLEL STRUCTURE
ERRORS
EXPLANATIONS
(CONTROL) + CLICK
RULE:
All items in a list or comparison must be in the
same form or structure; for example, nouns
cannot be mixed with verbs, different verb
tenses cannot be mixed, etc.
DIFFERENT VERB
PARTS
DIFFERENT VERB
TENSES
EXAMPLES:
A list of (nouns)
The two main goals of the Nixon administration were a
(reduction) in taxes and an (increase) in military spending.
ADJECTIVES AND
ADVERBS
A comparison using the same (structure)
(The rules of written English) are more stringent than (the
rules of spoken English).
A list of (verbs in the present perfect tense)
The food company (has cut) costs by reducing executive
bonuses, (changed) its advertising agency, and
(redesigned) its logo.
Note: The helper verb, “has,” is implied for the second
and third verbs.
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● MISPLACED MODIFIER ERRORS ● IDIOM ERRORS ● PRONOUN ERRORS
● VERB TENSE ERRORS ● SENTENCE BOUNDARY ERRORS
WPx Seven Serious Sentence Errors GUIDE
Appendix
3. MISPLACED MODIFIER
ERRORS
EXPLANATIONS
(CONTROL) + CLICK
RULE:
A modifier should go as close as possible to
whatever it modifies. Placing modifiers too far
away from what they modify creates confusion.
ADJECTIVES AND
ADVERBS
EXAMPLES:
Place a modifying (phrase) right next to the noun it modifies
I once shot an elephant (in my pajamas). (WRONG)
(Implies the elephant was in the pajamas)
(In my pajamas), I shot an elephant.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
CLAUSES
(CORRECT)\
(Eaten in Mediterranean countries), northern Europeans
would not eat tomatoes.
(WRONG)
(Implies northern Europeans were eaten)
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
PHRASES
(Eaten in Mediterranean countries), tomatoes were not
eaten by northern Europeans.
(CORRECT)\
(At the age of six), my father took me
to a baseball game.
(WRONG)
(Implies the father was six at the time)
(At the age of six), I was taken to a baseball game
by my father.
(CORRECT)
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● MISPLACED MODIFIER ERRORS ● IDIOM ERRORS ● PRONOUN ERRORS
● VERB TENSE ERRORS ● SENTENCE BOUNDARY ERRORS
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Appendix
EXPLANATIONS
(CONTROL) + CLICK
4. IDIOM ERRORS
RULE:
Idioms are accepted ways of speaking but cannot
be explained logically. Hence, they must be
memorized.
EXAMPLES:
In comparisons, use “as” to compare actions (verbs); use “like”
to compare nouns.
He plays the banjo as well as I do.
(actions compared)
His banjo looks like mine.
(nouns compared)
Responsible for…
WHAT IS AN IDIOM?
WITH EXAMPLES
You are responsible for the final report.
Forbid …to
I forbid you to call the police.
Prohibit …from
He was prohibited from entering the book store.
Regard …as
Art historians regard the Mona Lisa as one of the greatest
works of art.
Consider (with nothing else)
Art historians consider the Mona Lisa one of the greatest
works of art.
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● VERB TENSE ERRORS ● SENTENCE BOUNDARY ERRORS
Appendix
WPx Seven Serious Sentence Errors GUIDE
5. PRONOUN ERRORS
RULE:
EXPLANATIONS
(CONTROL) + CLICK
A pronoun must unambiguously refer back to
one noun; the noun being referred back to, and
being replaced, is called its antecedent.
RULE:
A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in
number; a plural antecedent needs a plural
pronoun, and a singular antecedent needs a
singular pronoun.
EXAMPLES:
Ambiguous pronoun reference
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
NOUNS AND
PRONOUNS
Jane and Sally went to the movies. She didn’t like the film.
(Is “she” Jane or Sally?)
Although aspirin can irritate the stomach, it can be avoided by
adding buffering agents.
(Does “it” refer to “aspirin,” “stomach,” or “irritation?”)
Pronouns lacking agreement in number with their
(antecedent).
Although the (bite) of diamond-back adders is rarely fatal,
It can cause serious flesh wounds.
(“bite” is singular and needs the singular “it”)
(Each) of the dogs had been beaten before it was
abandoned.
(“Each” is singular and needs the singular “it”)
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● MISPLACED MODIFIER ERRORS ● IDIOM ERRORS ● PRONOUN ERRORS
● VERB TENSE ERRORS ● SENTENCE BOUNDARY ERRORS
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Appendix
6. VERB TENSE ERRORS
EXPLANATIONS
(CONTROL) + CLICK
RULE:
A sentence should use only one verb tense, (past,
present, or future), unless the meaning of the
sentence requires a shift in tense.
DIFFERENT VERB
PARTS
EXAMPLES:
A series of verbs in the present tense
The teachers have agreed that if children learn to read and
do math from an early age, they require less remedial work
in later school years.
(“have agreed” is present perfect and still present tense)
Two verbs in the past tense
Until Jackie Robinson made his debut with the Brooklyn
Dodgers in 1947, African Americans had been prohibited
from playing in the Major League baseball.
(“had been prohibited” is past perfect and still past tense)
Note: When two events occurred In the past, the past
perfect is used to identify which one occurred first.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
VERBS
DIFFERENT VERB
TENSES
Present tense verb needed to be consistent with (time clue)
(So far this year), ten directors have voted against a budget
increase.
(“have voted” is present perfect” because time period is
defined as now.)
● HOME ● SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT ERRORS ● PARALLEL STRUCTURE ERRORS
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● VERB TENSE ERRORS ● SENTENCE BOUNDARY ERRORS
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Appendix
7. SENTENCE BOUNDARY
ERRORS
RULE:
EXPLANATIONS
(CONTROL) + CLICK
A sentence must express a complete thought and
have its own subject and verb. Less than a
complete sentence is called a sentence fragment.
RULE:
A sentence must be only one complete thought,
and not two complete sentences continuing on
with no break, (a run-on sentence); or, two
complete sentences joined by only a comma, (a
comma splice).
EXAMPLES:
A sentence fragment; an incomplete sentence without its own
subject and verb.
WHAT IS A SUBJECT
AND WHAT IS A VERB?
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
CLAUSES
We went for a drive. After the game was over.
A run-on sentence; two complete sentences (independent
clauses) joined without correct punctuation or conjunctions.
I asked her to bring soft drinks she did not.
(WRONG)
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
PHRASES
I asked her to bring soft drinks. She did not. (CORRECT)
(Separate the two sentences with a period)
I asked her to bring soft drinks, but she did not. (CORRECT)
(Separate the two sentences with a comma and a
conjunction)
Comma splices; two complete thoughts in one sentence joined
by only a comma.
Take your umbrella, it is raining.
(WRONG)
Take your umbrella. It is raining.
(CORRECT)
(Replace the comma with a period to create two thoughts
in two sentences)
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● MISPLACED MODIFIER ERRORS ● IDIOM ERRORS ● PRONOUN ERRORS
● VERB TENSE ERRORS ● SENTENCE BOUNDARY ERRORS
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Appendix
What Is A Subject And What Is A Verb?
The subject and verb are the two most important parts of a sentence. The verb is like the
engine of a car, the subject is like the driver of that car.
The verb defines action or being (existence).
The (subject) defines who or what is doing the action, or who or what is being.
Examples:
(Email) has changed business communications.
(These pills) are difficult to swallow.
(She) put the computer on the table.
(Jerry) is a born leader.
The simple subject is usually one noun or pronoun. The
simple subject plus all of its modifiers.
(complete subject) is the
Examples:
(All of the sales staff on this floor) left early today.
A (compound
subject) is the combination of two subjects addressed at the same time.
Example:
(John and Mary) are medical students.
An expletive is a word with a grammatical function but no meaning of its own. An expletive
construction allows the real subject to come after the verb.
Examples: “There” and “it” are expletives that act as subjects
There are homeless people living here. (SINGULAR)
There is someone waiting to see you.
There are some pencils on the desk.
(PLURAL)
It is important for him to manage his time better.
It appears that the recession is over.
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Appendix
Different Types Of Subjects
The subject of a sentence is often a noun or a pronoun, but the subject can also take any of
the following forms:
Verbals are words created from verbs that do not act as verbs. Two types of verbals can
be subjects:
Gerunds are created by adding “ing” to the base form of a verb.
Example: BASE FORM: Go + “ing”
= Going.
Example of a gerund used as the subject of a sentence:
Horseback riding is a popular sport.
Infinitives are created by adding “to” before the base form of the verb.
Example: BASE FORM: Go. “To” + base form = To go.
Phrases are groups of words that do not have both a subject and a verb of their own.
Nouns, gerunds and Infinitives can be become noun phrases, gerund phrases, or infinitive
phrases, when all their modifiers are included. A Gerund phrase, or an infinitive phrase, can
be the subject of a sentence.
Noun Phrase as the subject of a sentence.
Those classified documents lying on the table could easily be stolen.
Gerund Phrase as the subject of a sentence.
Swimming in shark-infested waters is risky business.
Infinitive Phrase as the subject of a sentence.
To run in the Marathon was Jeff’s life-long dream.
Clauses can also be the subject of a sentence when the entire clause acts as a noun.
Unlike phrases, clauses have both their own subject and verb.
Clause acting as the subject of a sentence.
What she said was interesting.
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Appendix
Different Types Of Nouns And Pronouns
A noun names a person, place, or thing. A noun can also name a place, a collection, or a
concept; e.g., Melville, Chicago, car, football, liberty, and freedom are all nouns.
A proper noun is the formal name of a person, place or thing and is always capiltalized;
e.g., World War II, The Great Depression, The American Bar Association, Linda Pearson, etc.
A collective noun is a noun that identifies a specific group of people or things and is
always singular: e.g., group, jury, team, class, club, school, herd, couple, city, congregation,
etc.
A countable noun represents individual countable items and cannot be treated as one
group; e.g., atoms, books, children, dollars, watches, cars, etc. Countable nouns have both
singular and plural forms.
A non-countable noun represents an abstract concept; the individual parts of it
cannot be counted; the total is viewed as one mass; e.g., advice, furniture, traffic, grammar,
mail, news, fun, etc. Many non-countable nouns have only a singular form.
A pronoun takes the place of a noun. A pronoun can replace a single noun or an entire
noun phrase.
A personal pronoun takes the place of nouns that refer to people, (he, she, I, we, they,
me, us, you). The third person neutral, “it” refers to animals or things.
A relative
pronoun introduces a subordinate clause that explains or describes a noun;
this clause is called a relative
clause; e.g., who, whom, whose, which, that.
A that clause introduces a restrictive clause—i.e., information essential to fully
defining the noun being modified. Commas are not used to set off a restrictive clause.
A which clause introduces a nonrestrictive clause—i.e., information not essential,
only supplemental to understanding the noun being modified. Commas are used to set off a
nonrestrictive clause.
A demonstrative pronoun demonstrates, or points out, a noun antecedent; e.g., this
is my notebook, that is the song.
A possessive
pronoun indicates ownership; e.g., my, our, your, mine, his, hers, etc.
A reflexive pronoun define the object as the same as the subject; e.g., I told myself.
An intensive pronoun is the same as a reflexive one but is used to add emphasis: I did
it myself.
An indefinite pronoun refers to people, places, or things in a general way; e.g.,
nobody, anything, someone, everyone, many, few, etc.
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Appendix
DIFFERENT VERB PARTS
Base Form
The most basic, or core form, of the verb. The base form is used to make: e.g., LOVE:
The infinitive:
“To” + BASE = The Infinitive
(To love)
The present participle:
BASE + “ing” = The present participle (Loving)
The past participle:
BASE + “ed” = The past participle
(Loved)
Helper verbs
Most verbs in the English language are not word, but two or more words. The
additional words are frequently called “helper verbs” or “auxiliary verbs;” e.g., I have
purchased a car, we will be taking a vacation, (all bold words are part of the verb).
Verb Phrase
A phrase is a group of words without both its own subject and verb. One group of verb
words, (e.g., helper and/or auxiliary verbs combined with the main verb), together can
be called a verb phrase.
Participles
There are two participles; the present and past participle. Both are formed from the
base form of the verb. Participles have two possible jobs:
● Used with other verb words they create verbs of different tense and form.
Example: The faucet had been dripping all night long.
● Used by themselves  they become adjectives (and are called verbals.)
Example: The dripping faucet kept me awake all night long.
Present Participle
CORE + “ing” = The present participle of the verb; love + “ing” = “loving.” Used to
create the progressive form; i.e., the present, past, and future progressive tenses.
See DIFFERENT VERB TENSES.
Past Participle
CORE + “ed” = The past participle of the verb; love + “ed” = “loved.” Used to create the
perfect form; i.e., the present perfect, the past perfect, and the future perfect tenses.
See DIFFERENT VERB TENSES.
Modal Auxiliary Verbs
A special group of auxiliary verbs are used to indicate ability, possibility, permission, or
obligation more clearly; these added words include, should, might, must, and may.
Examples: He should have asked. We might order now. You must turn here.
Verbals
A word created from a verb but not used as a verb. Participles (used by themselves)
are used as adjectives, (see above), infinitives and gerunds are used as nouns.
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Appendix
DIFFERENT TYPES OF VERBS
Regular Vs. Irregular
Most verbs in the English language follow a pattern of development; e.g., the past tense and
past participle are formed by adding “ed” to the base form. Verbs that follow these patterns
are called “regular.” Verbs that do not follow these patterns are called “irregular.” Irregular
verbs can show no change, going from the base form to the simple past, or can substitute
completely different words.
Examples Of Irregular Verbs
Base Form
Simple Past
Past Participle
Beat
Become
Begun
Bend
Beat
Became
Began
Bent
Beaten
Become
Begun
Bent
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
One way to divide up the basic parts of any sentence is divide all the words into two basic
parts: i.e., The Subject, (the subject and all its modifiers), vs. The Predicate, (the verb and
any other parts of the sentence, such as the direct object and indirect object, if they exist).
SUBJECT
PREDICATE
A transitive verb “transfers” action from the subject to the object (in the predicate).
Example: Bob (subject) mailed (transitive verb) the letter (object).
An intransitive verb does not need an object to clarify the action of the verb.
Examples: The bell rang. The sun shone.
Linking (and Copulative) Verbs
Linking verbs, never transfer action to an object, hence they are intransitive by definition.
Instead, linking verbs “join” some word in the predicate with the subject. The other word
joined can be another noun, an adjective, or an adverb. Linking verbs include, go, stand,
work, run, turn, fall, lay, appear, become, grow, remain, seem, got sound feel, taste, and
continue. The verb “be” can be used in the same way. As a group, the verb “be” and all
linking verbs are referred to as “copulative.”
Examples of Copulative verbs
SUBJECT
The grass
Sally Norman
The papers
The children
The meat
PREDICATE
is (to be)
was (to be)
are not (to be)
looked (linking)
smelled (linking)
green.
the president
here
tired
bad
(adjective)
(noun)
(adverb)
(adjective)
(adverb)
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● VERB TENSE ERRORS ● SENTENCE BOUNDARY ERRORS
Appendix
DIFFERENT TYPES OF VERBS, Cont.
Active Vs. Passive Voice Verbs
In most English sentences, the subject performs the action of the verb. This is called active
voice. Example: The board approved the rules. Sometimes, and especially in technical or
scientific writing, the author wants to place emphasis upon the result, rather than upon the
doer of the action. The sentence is then written to show the subject receiving the action. This
is called use of the passive voice. Example: The rules were approved.
Overuse of passive voice. The passive voice usually provides less information to the
reader because it does not clarify who or what created the action of the verb, unless a “by
phrase” is added. The use of the passive voice can be overdone creating a dry, or even
boring, writing style as well as less clarity.
Examples of passive voice
She is advised.
The solution was prepared.
The rules were approved.
The oats were being eaten.
(With “by phrase” added to clarify creator of action):
She is advised by me
The solution was prepared by the lab assistant.
The rules were approved by the board.
The oats were being eaten the race horse.
.Phrasal Verbs
Some verbs have extra words that are not auxiliary or helping verbs. Instead, these extra
words add a more specific meaning. These extra-word verbs are called phrasal verbs.
Examples of phrasal verbs
Put on, put up, put up with, put off, turn off, turn in, hand in, hand out, stand by, stand off,
take off, take on, figure out, read up, read up on, deal with.
Note: The other word often looks like a preposition but it is not. It is called a particle. Phrasal
verbs can usually be split—i.e., have other words inserted between the verb words.
Verb Moods
Almost 99% of all English sentences report existing facts, information or opinions. This style
of writing s called the indicative mood. Sometimes, an order is given in writing: e.g., close
the door! This is called the imperative mood, and the subject, (you) is typically implied.
Sometimes, an author wishes to describe a desired, hypothetical, or wished-for fact. Such
contrary-to-actual-fact statements are expressed in the subjunctive mood. Conventions of
usage require one of two formats for the subjunctive mood:
TYPE I. IF Clause (Were) THEN Clause (Would). “Were” is substituted for “was.”
If Air Force One were shot down, then the Vice President would become President.
TYPE II THAT Clause Following Order Or Command statement.
The boss demanded that everyone stay late. (“To stay” is reduced to “stay”)
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Appendix
DIFFERENT VERB TENSES
Three Tenses Vs. Four Forms
There are only three verb tenses in the English language: the present tense, the past tense,
and the future tense. There are four forms for each tense to further clarify meaning: The
simple form, the perfect form, the progressive form, and the perfect-progressive form.
The simple form is a straight forward reference to the present, the past or the future.
The perfect form is much more subtle reference to something that happened, with the effect
continuing on into the next time period. For example, the present perfect does not normally
refer to actions occurring in the present. Instead, it most often refers to actions completed in
the past that have some effect in the present. Example: Joe has broken his leg, so he
cannot go to the rodeo with us (now). The past perfect is used to identify which action
preceded the other, when both occurred in the past. Example: I had visited London many
times before I decided to move there. The future perfect tense indicates an event that will
be completed by a specific time in the future. Example: The movie will have ended before
we can get there.
The progressive form refers to action “in progress.” For example, the present progressive
indicates an action currently in progress. The past progressive indicates an action that was
in progress at a time in the past. The future progressive indicates an action that will be in
progress at some time in the future.
Progressive Form Examples
(Present)
I am talking to my mother.
(Past)
I was talking to my mother.
(Future)
I will be talking to my mother.
The perfect-progressive form, as might be expected, is a combination of the other forms.
Verb Tense Construction
Most people learn verb tense construction by listening to the language spoken as children,
and are not aware of the rules of construction. Learning the rules, however, helps ensure an
accurate and correct use of the language.
The most difficult aspect of applying the rules is the illogical formation of irregular verbs. The
parts of these verbs simply must be memorized.
The key building blocks of verb tense construction are:
● Base form
● Present Participle
● Past Participle
● Will, will have, will be
● have, have been, had, had been
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● VERB TENSE ERRORS ● SENTENCE BOUNDARY ERRORS
Appendix
DIFFERENT VERB TENSES, Cont.
The following chart provides a general guide to the construction of all tenses and forms.
FORM
Simple
Perfect
Progressive
Perfect
Progressive
BASE FORM
PRESENT
TENSE OF
“HAVE”
+ PAST
PARTICIPLE OF
VERB
PRESENT
TENSE
OF “BE”
+ PRESENT
PARTICIPLE
OF VERB
PRESENT TENSE
OF “HAVE”
+ “BEEN”
+ PRESENT
PARTICIPLE OF
VERB
“HAD”
+ PAST
PARTICIPLE OF
VERB
SIMPLE PAST
TENSE OF
“BE”
+ PRESENT
PARTICIPLE
OF VERB
“HAD”
+ “BEEN”
+ PRESENT
PARTICIPLE OF
VERB
“WILL BE”
+ PRESENT
PARTICIPLE
OF VERB
“WILL HAVE
BEEN”
+ PRESENT
PARTICIPLE OF
VERB
TENSE
Present
Third person singular
usually adds “s”
(sometimes “es”) to
agree with subject.
Verb “be” is most
common and most
irregular in English
language.
BASE FORM
+ “ED”
Past
Future
WILL + BASE
FORM
(“Will” is modal
auxiliary)
“WILL
HAVE”
+ PAST
PARTICIPLE OF
VERB
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Appendix
WPx Seven Serious Sentence Errors GUIDE
Different Types Of Clauses
Both a clause and a phrase are a group of words that work together in a sentence. But there
is one big difference: a clause has both its own subject and verb; a phrase does not
have both its own subject and verb.
Two Basic Types Of Clauses
There are two basic types of clauses:
Independent Clauses can stand alone as a complete sentence. Sometimes
two independent clauses are joined in the same sentence.
Examples:
(Single independent clauses)
The work was difficult.
The results were worth it.
(Two independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunction, “but.” and “and”)
The work was difficult but the results were worth it.
The students observed the responses of shoppers to long lines, and
they interviewed people waiting in line.
(Two independent clauses separated by a semicolon)
The wait provoked physical reactions in some people; they fidgeted, grimaced,
and stared at the ceiling.
Dependent Clauses cannot stand alone; alone, they are only a sentence
fragment. They need to be joined to an independent clause to create a
complete sentence.
The Two Basic Types Of Dependent Clauses
1. Subordinate Clauses
2. Relative Clauses
.
The first word in the dependent clause often defines the nature of the dependency to
an independent clause.
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Appendix
Subordinate Clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions create subordinate clauses and connect them to
independent clauses. The subordinate clause always includes the subordinating conjunction.
Defining Perspective
Subordinating conjunctions
before, while, until, since, once, whenever, whereupon, after, when
Time
because, since
Cause
In order that, so that, that, so
Result
Concession or contrast although, though, even though, as if, while, even if
where, wherever
Place
of. whether, provided, unless, rather than
Condition
as
Comparison
that, which, who
Identification
Examples:
I went to the gym even though I was already tired.
He used to be a mechanic before he became a teacher.
We will go to Ethan’s house after we finish practice.
Donna will not join the band unless she can be the lead singer.
Sally volunteered because she supports the zoo programs.
Roles Subordinate Clauses Play
(NOUN ROLES)
Subject What she said is interesting.
Object
You should pack what you need for the trip.
I wonder who your friends are.
Tell me how I can meet them.
I believe that life exists in other solar systems.
Do you know who discovered the fire?
(MODIFIER ROLES)
Adjective Many people who live in Erie came to the meeting.
I have an aunt whose book is on the best-seller list.
The web site that we designed is now very popular.
He is the man who is studying German.
They opposed the road that the county plans to build.
Adverb
Because I was busy, I didn’t call.
As the rally continued, Jean joined the picket line.
She volunteered because she loves dogs.
Marcia waited in the lobby, while Evan talked to the desk clerk.
She was an excellent basketball player, even though she was fairly short.
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Relative Clauses
Pronouns and adverbs act like,(become), subordinating conjunctions when they link
dependent to independent clauses. Used this way, pronouns and adverbs create relative
clauses.
Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that ) create relative clauses and
connect them to independent clauses. Usually the relative pronoun follows a noun and adds
information about that noun; who and whom refer to people, which refers to things, that and
whose refer to people or things.
Examples:
The children whom you saw were going to the museum.
The children that you saw were gong to the museum.
The man who introduced himself to you is my business partner.
This is the necklace that my grandmother gave to me.
Relative Adverbs (when, why, how, where ) can also create relative clauses.
Examples:
The lot where I park my car has no shade.
The day when we first met was rainy and cold.
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Appendix
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Different Types Of Phrases
Both a clause and a phrase are a group of words that work together in a sentence. But there
is one big difference: a clause has both its own subject and verb; a phrase does not
have both its own subject and verb.
Usually, a phrase is defined the key word in the phrase construction, e.g., a noun phrase, a
prepositional phrase, or a participial phrase.
Noun Phrase
A noun phrase includes a noun or pronoun and all modifiers. These modifiers can be
adjectives, participles, relative clauses, or prepositional phrases.
Examples: (Noun phrase with noun)
Jeff won an incredibly large stuffed teddy bear at the carnival.
Swimming in shark-infested waters is risky.
Those classified documents lying on the desk could be stolen.
Prepositional Phrase
One of the most commonly used phrases is a prepositional phrase. It typically begins with a
preposition and ends with a noun called the object. It also includes any modifiers of the
object.
Examples:
Of the big house.
Every year, salmon spawn in the Columbia River.
In the oven.
I am going to the mall with Terry.
On the tall roof.
A Preposition is a small word that links a group of words to a noun or pronoun.
One test of a preposition is to use the word with “the fence;” a preposition will almost
always make sense in this construction.
Examples: Aboard the fence, about the fence, on the fence, under the fence, along
the fence, behind the fence, down the fence, etc.
Compound Prepositions are several words that function together as one
preposition.
Examples: ahead of, contrary to, in lieu of, instead of, as far as, in addition to, in
Light of, next to, because of, in back of, in regard to, out of, by means
of in spite of, etc.
Prepositional Phrase Can Decide Subject Verb Agreement
In the use of fractions or percentages, the choice of a singular or plural verb is decided by
the object of a prepositional phrase used after the fraction or percentage;
Examples:
Half of the players are in the locker room.
(plural verb “are”)
Forty-percent of the pizza is gone.
(singular verb “is”)
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Appendix
Participial Phrase
A participial phrase is usually introduced by a participle. There are two participle forms,
present and past: Both act as adjectives. They can also form part of a larger, noun phrase.
Present Participle LOVE
CORE + “ing” = love + “ing” = “loving.”
LOVE
Past Participle
CORE + “ed” = love + “ed” = “loved.”
Examples:
Running as fast as she could, Miriam tried to catch the bus. (PRESENT PARTICIPLE)
The ancient castle, weathered by time, had a romantic look. (PAST PARTICIPLE)
The snow, drifted into white dunes, covered the entire countryside. (PAST PARTICIPLE)
The concert announced only yesterday has already been canceled. (PAST PARTICIPLE)
SPECIAL TYPES OF PHRASES
Appositive Phrase
An appositive is a noun or pronoun that renames or re-identifies the preceding noun. An
appositive phrase is a special noun phrase that renames, or re-identifies a noun, or noun
phrase that precedes it. Appositive phrases are always set off by commas.
Examples:
The girl standing over there, the blond, looks like my cousin.
Mr. Jones, a third-degree black belt, won the karate championship.
My favorite dessert, chocolate pie, takes a long time to prepare.
Her act for the talent show, walking on swords, was too difficult to perform that night.
Absolute Phrase
An absolute phrase modifies an entire sentence rather than just a specific noun, pronoun, or
a noun phrase. An absolute phrase usually contains a noun or pronoun, plus modifiers, and is
set off by commas.
Examples:
Carlito faced the angry crowd, his eyes flashing.
Their hope fading as the hours passed, the rescuers searched the water for survivors.
The children, exhausted from the long ordeal, waited on the doorstep.
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Appendix
Adjectives and Adverbs
Adjectives and adverbs are modifiers that add information and they are usually found near
the word or words that they modify. The difference between them is what each modifies.
Adjectives
Modify, (add information to), nouns, pronouns, words that act as nouns; e.g., gerunds or
infinitives, or groups of words that act as nouns; e.g., noun phrases, gerund phrases,
infinitive phrases, or clauses that function as the subject or object of a sentence. Adjectives
help to further describe something or someone. Adjectives often answer the question: which?
Examples;
The first car came off the assembly line.
The new snowboard was ready to go.
The big, beautiful house was sold.
Adverbs
Modify, (add information to), verbs, other adverbs, adjectives, or groups of words acting as
adverbs or adjectives. Adverbs answer the question: who, what, where, when, why, how, how
often and how many? Adverbs often describe manner, place, time, and frequency.
Examples:
I always do my homework on time.
I usually wait to read the book after the movie comes out.
Nancy periodically cooks duck.
Mary reads the newspaper daily.
Jack pays his rent monthly.
One Difference Between Adjective and Adverb Forms
Most, but not all, adverbs end in “ly,” however, the “ly” ending is a good indication that the
word is an adverb, and not an adjective. (Note the exception below: Fast is both forms).
Specific forms must be learned.
Adjective
She was a pretty girl.
He was a serious boy.
It was a fast car.
The children were quiet.
His song was a good one.
He had a quick draw.
Adverb
The bird sang prettily
The cop spoke seriously.
Joan drives fast.
The woman spoke quietly.
He sang well.
He drew quickly.
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Intensifying Adverbs
Most adverbs can show greater intensity; e.g., instead of just running slowly, a car might run
very slowly. Intensifying adverbs are words such as very, extremely, or highly. Avoid using
more than one intensifier at a time.
Adjective and Adverbial Phrases
An adjective phrase is an entire phrase used as an adjective.
Example:
The chair in the living room needs repair. (PHRASE MODIFIES NOUN, “CHAIR”)
An adverbial phrase is an entire phrase used as an adverb.
Example:
She was exhausted from her shopping. (PHRASE MODIFIES ADJECTIVE, “EXHAUSTED”)
Comparatives and Superlatives
Comparatives compare two things, and the ending, “er” is often used.
Example:
One ship was older than the other. (COMPARING TWO SHIPS)
Superlatives compare three or more things, and the ending, “est” is often used.
Example:
Of all the ships in the navy, this one is the oldest. (COMPARING THREE OR MORE SHIPS)
NOTE: Many English words have irregular endings of comparison words:
REGULAR:
large
larger
largest
hard
harder
hardest
IRREGULAR:
well
better
best
badly
worse
the worst
little
less
the least
beautiful
more beautiful
most beautiful
Absolute Adjectives
Some adjectives describe either-or conditions. There are no degrees of the condition.
Examples: (Absolute adjectives)
A man is either dead or he isn’t.
A woman is either pregnant or she isn’t
A plan is either unique or it isn’t
Something is either immortal or it isn’t
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Appendix
What Is An Idiom? Examples
Idioms are the accepted way to express an idea. They are the way native-born Americans
speak the language. But they cannot be learned from formal grammar rules and they cannot
be explained logically. Idioms must be learned by listening to, and reading, the English
language as it is normally used in everyday use.
So why bother learning idioms? Correct use of idioms quickly identifies a native-born English
speaker. Correct idioms make his or her English sound “natural.” Incorrect use of idioms
makes the speaker appear either uneducated, or unfamiliar with the English language. For
this reason, it is important to learn and use correct idioms in all business and professional
communications.
An idiom can be one word or several words. But when it is several words, the meaning of the
individual words does not add up to, or explain, the fuller meaning of the entire idiom.
Example:
The politicians complained that it had been a dog-eat-dog race.
Perhaps the phrase, dog-eat-dog, meant something in the past. If so, that specific meaning
has been lost. Today, this idiom simply means that the race was hard-fought or very difficult.
Some Common Idiomatic Phrases
Examples of phrases that defy logical explanation but are often used in everyday speech:
Put your cards on the table
Toe the line
Ideas that hold water
= be totally forthcoming and/or honest
= be careful and follow all the rules
= ideas that make sense or will work
Role Of Prepositions In Idioms
Quite often, prepositions are used in a specific way in idioms. An unidiomatic use of
prepositions may still communicate your idea, but it will sound awkward and unnatural. Again,
idiomatic use must be learned and memorized.
Examples:
(Idiomatic)
I work at home
I live in Chicago
(Unidiomatic)
I work in home
I live at Chicago.
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Some Commonly Used Idioms In Business
PROHIBIT…FROM
He was prohibited from competing in the same business for five years.
DIFFERENT FROM
Men are not so different from women when it comes to wanting children.
DISPUTE OVER
The players had a dispute over the penalty.
SO (something) THAT
She was so late that she missed the performance.
HYPOTHESIS THAT
The hypothesis that genes cause anger is unproven.
BELIEVE (something) TO BE
She did not believe the sheet music to be the original score.
ESTIMATED TO BE
The time it took for the universe to form is estimated to be fourteen billion years.
ATTRIBUTED TO
Many famous remarks are attributed to Mark Twain.
REQUIRED TO
If you wish to run in the race your are required to register.
RESPONSIBILITY TO
You have a responsibility to pay your bills.
PERMIT (something) TO
The boss doesn’t permit the secretaries to drink coffee at their desks.
SUPERIOR TO
My math scores are superior to yours.
CREDIT (someone) WITH
We credit Joe Franklin with the winning idea.
ASSOCIATED WITH
I do not choose to be associated with your marketing plan.
CONTRAST (something) WITH
My girl friend likes to contrast my grades with her own.
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DISTINQUISH (something) FROM (something)
Can you distinguish black from dark blue stones?
DISTINQUISH BETWEEN (something) AND (something)
Can you distinguish between black and dark blue stones?
NOT (something) BUT (something)
The review was not kind but accurate.
BOTH (something) AND (something)
When I ordered the colors, I selected both red and yellow.
MORE (something) THAN (something)
The lady is more intelligent than her old man.
THE MORE (something) THE (something “ER”)
The more you object to my plan the happier I get.
FROM (something) TO (something)
The baseball record showed scores from 1000 to 2500.
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Appendix
WPx Seven Serious Sentence Errors GUIDE
Appendix
CONTROL + CLICK TO GO TO PAGE
Absolute Adjective
Demonstrative Pronoun
Non-countable Noun
Relative Adverbs
Absolute Phrase
Dependent Clause
Noun
Relative Clause
Active Voice
Expletive
Noun Phrase
Relative Pronoun
Adjective
Gerund
Participial Phrase
Simple Subject
Adjective Phrase
Gerund Phrase
Participles
Subject
Adverb
Helper Verb
Passive Voice
Subordinate Clauses
Adverbial Phrase
Idioms
Past Participle
Subordinating
Conjunction
Appositive
Indefinite Pronoun
Personal Pronoun
Appositive Phrase
Independent Clauses
Phrases
Superlatives
That Clause
Base Form
Infinitive
Possessive Pronoun
Clauses
Infinitive Phrase
Preposition
Collective Noun
Intensifying Adverbs
Prepositional Phrase
Transitive Verbs
Verb
Verb Forms
Comparatives
Intensive Pronoun
Present Participle
Compound Preposition
Intransitive Verbs
Pronoun
Compound Subject
Irregular Verbs
Proper Noun
Verb Moods
Verb Phrase
Verb Tense
Copulative Verb
Linking Verbs
Reflexive Pronoun
Countable Noun
Modal Auxiliary Verbs
Regular Verbs
Verbal
Which Clause
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